Team - Cobalt MedPlans

KAYE LUGRAND BIOGRAPHY

Kaye Lugrand is a motivational and transformational leader. She has been consistently recognized for improving operational and financial performance while cultivating a collaborative culture and creating exceptional customer experiences.

Kaye has a wide range of experience across many facets of the healthcare industry. For the past 24 years, she has held vice president positions for national health insurance companies and regional third-party administrators.

With experience overseeing operations, product strategy, business development, and client management brings a depth of experience to the service of our customers. Kaye strives for consistent and continuous innovation, operational efficiency, effectiveness, and partnership.

As result of her leadership accomplishments and passion for mentorship, Kaye was a recipient of the “Women Who Mean Business” Award from the Kansas City Business Journal and the Ewing Kauffman Foundation. Kaye was appointed to the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan (MCHCP) Board of Trustees and served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees until 2014.

Kaye earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Wichita State University and an MBA from Webster University-Kansas City. Kaye enjoys genealogy, gardening (preferably with no snake sightings), spending time with her family and friends, and traveling with her husband.

RACHEL GAST BIOGRAPHY

Rachel Gast brings 20 years of Human Resources experience and has served as a dedicated HR leader within the Cobalt family for the past 12 years.

Rachel approaches Human Resources with the firm belief that people are the cornerstone to a business’ success. Our “people-first” HR policy sets us apart with Rachel’s steadfast leadership, unrelenting focus, and expertise.

Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Kansas.

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys family gatherings, travel, shoe shopping, Diet Coke, nightly walks with her husband and dogs, and baking cookies.

PAM GUILFOYLE BIOGRAPHY

As the current VP of Operations Pam is energized by the chance to lead a large team, solve complex problems, and serve customers’ needs as a trusted advisor. With over 20 years of experience spanning claims processing, contact center design, implementation, and operations, and process improvement, Pam understands the problems clients face.

Pam joined Cobalt MedPlans in 2011 as a Quality Manager where she demonstrated a commitment to excellence and value delivery for our customers. From there, Pam utilized her previous experience in the healthcare vendor space to provide continuous value to the team and customers, eventually rising to the level of VP of operations.

In her spare time Pam can be found enjoying murder-mystery shows, spending time with friends and family, and begrudgingly assisting her husband in his home projects, including a pretty impressive vegetable garden. (Feel free to ask for their salsa recipe)

SANDY HIGGINS BIOGRAPHY

Sandy is a leader with experience spanning customer service, process improvement, compliance, and information systems management. With decades of experience, Sandy recognizes the importance of partnership, recognition, and a focus on value-delivery for all parties involved.

Sandy came to Cobalt MedPlans in 2011 as a Process Improvement & Quality Manager and has since demonstrated a customer-centered and team-based approach to value delivery that has seen her rise to the role of Director of IT and Corporate Strategy.

Sandy holds a Green Belt certification and received Black Belt training through Six Sigma and has served on the boards of Volunteer Services Fund and SEK Regional Workforce Management, as well as serving on the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

In her spare time, Sandy can be found with a book in her hand, spending time with family and friends, and walking her cocker spaniel Alex.

JEFF RUDELL BIOGRAPHY

With over three decades of service delivery experience, Jeff has a proven record as a dynamic leader and motivator, delivering results with authenticity, approachability, and performance excellence.

Jeff has extensive experience in leadership roles from Controller, Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and his current position serving as President of Cobalt MedPlans and Preferred Health Professionals.

Jeff is proud to lead an exceptional team capable of augmenting, designing, and delivering high-value results for customers. Through Business Process Outsourcing for claims management, provider, and member calls, as well as service design consulting to optimize operations of third-party administrators and health plan administrators, Jeff and his team celebrate the impact they have on and in partnership with their customers.

Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Accounting from Missouri State University.

In his spare time, Jeff enjoys serving his community through various positions, including various Board positions in the local school district, Junior Athletic Association, and the Optimist Club. Additionally, Jeff has served as a certified coach for over 20 seasons where he brings his experience as a 1st Team All- State Interior Lineman to the Harrisonville, MO Football program.

Jeff enjoys spending time with family, relaxing at the lake, cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, and playing a terrible round of golf now and then.

Our Executive Team

We are an extension of your team and resources.

Pam Guilfoyle

Vice President of Operations

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Sandy Higgins

Director of IT and Corporate Strategy

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