SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The San Diego Business Journal has named American Specialty Health (ASH) cofounder, chairman, and CEO George DeVries a "Health Care Champion" in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the fields of health care management and complementary health. The San Diego Business Journal presented the second-annual awards to individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the quality of health care in San Diego County.
From a large pool of nominees, an independent panel of judges identified 72 finalists, from which 22 were named Health Care Champions in seven different categories. The judges recognized DeVries as a leader in the Management category, which honors men and women who manage the business of health care. In this category, emphasis is placed on the candidates' demonstrated support of the values of leadership, customer focus, valuing of employees, managing innovation, and focusing on results.
"I am honored that the San Diego Business Journal has selected me for the Health Care Champion award," said DeVries. "This award represents the consistent effort and dedication of all American Specialty Health employees and the innovative work that places ASH among so many other successful finalists and honorees."
DeVries oversees one of the nation's leading health improvement organizations and has been recognized as a significant player in this market. He was nominated by President Clinton to serve as a commissioner on the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Health Care and has been published in a variety of health care and business publications. Under DeVries' leadership, ASH recently received a gold "Best Employers for a Healthy Lifestyle" award from the National Business Group on Health and was named one of the 15 fittest companies in America by Men's Fitness magazine.
"In each segment of the health care industry, there are leaders who demonstrate their significance to community through their own contributions and those of their organizations," said John Edelston, president of HealthPro Associates, Inc. and a Health Care Champion judge. "The nominees, the finalists, and especially the awardees magnificently exhibit attributes that make them special-their commitment to quality, intense effort that yields positive influence, and integrity."
About American Specialty Health
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) provides specialty benefit programs, fitness programs, health coaching and incentives, Internet solutions, and worksite wellness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide.
Based in San Diego, ASH has over 600 employees and covers more than 13.4 million members in specialty benefit, fitness, and coaching programs. For more information, visit ASH online at ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.