SAN DIEGO, Nov. 2, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robert L. Matthews II has been appointed vice president of group sales at national health and wellness company American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). Matthews joins ASH to lead the company's rapidly increasing employer group sales team and to further develop marketing channels with large employer group brokers and consulting houses.

Matthews brings close to 15 years of sales and sales leadership experience to ASH. Prior to joining ASH, Matthews was vice president of national account sales at CIGNA HealthCare. There, he was responsible for new business production in the southwest region for all CIGNA product lines.

Previously, Matthews was vice president of sales at WinningHabits, a division of Matria Healthcare. Matthews has worked with NASA and Ohio State University, in addition to multiple past and present Fortune 500 corporations including Texas Instruments, Honeywell, Apple, AOL, Dell, Sodexho, Proctor & Gamble, Mercer, Duke Energy, and Stryker.

"It is truly exciting to have someone as energetic, as focused, and as talented as Rob leading our group sales efforts," said ASH's chief sales officer Pamela Lauper. "I look forward to working closely with him to develop and execute our strategic initiatives for group sales."

Matthews received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Northwest Missouri State University. Prior to receiving his degree, Matthews served as a tank commander in the United States Army, where he provided front-line leadership for crewmen involved in multiple international military operations.

About American Specialty Health

American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is a national health and wellness company that provides population health management programs including prevention and wellness services, specialty network management programs, and fitness and exercise services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. Based in San Diego since its inception in 1987, ASH has more than 700 employees and covers over 15.6 million members.

For more information about ASH health and wellness programs, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.

CONTACT:  American Specialty Health Incorporated
          Debby Clark
            619.578.2000
            debbyc@ashn.com
          Tim Curns
            800.848.3555
            timc@ashn.com