In case you missed it, we recently hired a new Vice President of Business Development, David Nefussy, to help Spectrum Health Systems continue to promote its mission while providing quality addiction treatment services amidst the ongoing opioid crisis. In addition to leveraging his relationships with managed care organizations, insurance companies, and private sector providers to expand our network, one of David’s key tasks will be to function as a liaison to the provider community.
Get to know him a little better in our Q&A below.
You’ve had a long career in the healthcare field. Can you describe your past roles?
I’ve been in the behavioral healthcare field for the past 27 years. Previously, I worked on the payer side with companies including United Behavioral Health (OPTUM), PacifiCare, Magellan and others, with the primary responsibility of building and enhancing provider networks in New England. That includes tasks like negotiating fee schedules and facility contracts, but also educating and training providers regarding network requirements.
How did your journey bring you to Spectrum Health Systems?
I had been working with Spectrum Health Systems on a new program initiative with Sherry Ellis, Spectrum’s new COO. Sherry and I had also worked together in other organizations in developing creative models of care. We had the opportunity to discuss the assets that my background would provide in this position. After a lengthy interview process, I was offered this opportunity with Spectrum. It’s been an exciting transition and I look forward to working with such a talented team to further increase the visibility of Spectrum’s full continuum of care.
What drew you to the addictions field?
Over the past couple of years, the opiate crisis has become monumental. Being in the behavioral health field, I’ve always worked in and around addictions treatment and it’s something I’ve found extremely interesting. Spectrum is expanding its capacity to provide mental health services, along with addiction treatment – a critical component to addressing this disease. I’m glad to be a part of it.
What about your new role excites you most? What does it entail?
Spectrum’s management and staff truly operate as a team. My colleagues know how serious this issue is, and we are working together to address it. I am looking forward to doing the kind of valuable work I see all around me at Spectrum. This includes, but is not limited to, educating the provider network, including health centers, general acute medical facilities, managed care organizations and insurance companies regarding the continuum of services available at Spectrum. I will continue to promote Spectrum’s mission of building better lives, one step at a time.
Tell us more about your life outside of Spectrum Health Systems.
I am happily married – and just celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary with my wife Renee in June. My wife and I have a 22-year-old daughter who recently graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and just started her first year of law school at New York University (NYU). I also love all sports, especially football.
