Porter tapped to leadership role at Partners

Partners Health Management Announces Rachel Porter as Deputy CEO

GASTONIA — Partners Health Management, the local management entity/managed care organization that oversees public funding for behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities services in 15 North Carolina counties — including Surry and Yadkin, has tapped Partners’ Chief Administrative Officer Rachel Porter to assume the role of deputy chief executive officer effective Aug. 1.

Porter brings more than 25 years of experience in both public and private health care sectors to her new role.

“For the last 12 years, Rachel has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of North Carolina’s pioneering public managed behavioral healthcare system,” officials with the agency said. “Since joining Partners in May 2018, Rachel has led the organization’s communication and engagement strategy, with a special focus on fostering close connections with members, providers and community stakeholders.”

As chief administrative officer, Porter has collaborated closely with Partners’ CEO, LME/MCO leaders, and government relationsteams to drive policy and communication strategy that prioritizes the needs of members, families and providers.

“I am profoundly grateful to assume the role of deputy CEO at Partners, where it is truly a gift to serve our members, families, providers and stakeholders every day,” she said. “My years in the LME/MCO system have deepened my understanding of our members’ diverse and unique needs, and I believe North Carolina’s distinctive public system of behavioral health, I/DD and TBI managed care is the very best approach to deliver essential services and supports to members and families within their communities. Committed to Partners’ mission, I look forward to working hand-in-hand with our CEO and our extraordinary team to shape our system so that it best serves the interests of our members and communities.”

In appointing Porter to this new role, incoming CEO Libby McCraw praised her career in the North Carolina Public System. McCraw said, “Partners is fortunate to have Rachel Porter on the leadership team, and in this expanded role, Rachel will have the opportunity to use her knowledge and passion of the public behavioral health system to further our mission of Improving Lives and Strengthening Communities.”

McCraw will succeed Rhett Melton as CEO upon his retirement on July 31.

Prior to her tenure in the LME/MCO system, Porter founded and led a successful health care management and strategic communications consultancy, where she partnered with an array of corporate and nonprofit clients.

“Her comprehensive leadership approach combines diverse business acumen with a genuine passion for serving and supporting the Partners’ members and families,” the agency said.

Porter is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was raised in Chapel Hill and resides in Concord.

“I am excited for Rachel and for Partners in her serving in this role going forward. Rachel has vast experience in the NC model and a distinguished career of commitment and service to our members and their families. This move will strengthen Partners in our mission of improving lives and strengthening communities,” Melton said.