Prior to joining A&M, Ms. Bernards was VP of Government Programs in Optum Advisory. There, she also served as product lead for Prospective Risk Adjustment Services across Medicare, Medicaid and ACA lines of business, as well as the NW Regional Director of Market Consultation, working closely with health plans and providers. Additionally, Ms. Bernards spent three years in claims and six years in provider network management, managing healthcare costs and departmental expenses in a payer environment. She began her healthcare journey in a multi-specialty clinic, supporting the executive leadership team and physicians at multiple sites by providing a strong understanding of healthcare operations in an ambulatory clinic setting. Ms. Bernards earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources and an MBA from George Fox University.