Howard Ragsdale, co-founder, has more than 25 years of experience building successful businesses and financial management. Before founding Arbor Healthcare, Mr. Ragsdale was president of Aston Capital Management, an investment advisory firm for high net worth individuals and institutions. Howard was also an institutional portfolio manager responsible for more than $5 billion in bond portfolios for clients in financial, insurance, government and professional athletic organizations. His professional experience includes acquisition and management of third party administrators and he founded Premier Eye Care Systems, providing investment, financial, operations management, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions to vision care physicians. Mr. Ragsdale holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Tennessee and an MBA from Vanderbilt University.
Co-founder Bryon Wells has leveraged over 15 years of experience in healthcare market analysis and business development to become the Arbor Healthcare executive responsible for building relationships with healthcare providers, claims payers and focusing upon improving the integrity of the claims payment process. Previously, Bryon served as Vice President of Operations for a healthcare receivables firm and as Director of Business Development for a claims resolution company. Mr. Wells received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and served as a nuclear engineer in The United States Navy.
Russell Workman has spent more than 10 years in operations, healthcare market analysis, claims administration and payment cycle management. He is responsible for enhancing Arbor’s payer relationships, implementing technically advanced business models, all facets of claim administration and payment integrity. Before joining Arbor, Mr. Workman served as Vice President of Data Operations at a healthcare industry market analysis firm and as Senior Director of Operations for an overpayment recovery firm servicing national claim payment corporations. Russell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Murray State University.
Stephen Brooks, co-founder, has more than 15 years’ experience in designing, implementing and directing provider claims programs. Stephen has been instrumental in developing Arbor’s operating model which relies upon the application of extensive knowledge of provider reimbursement issues. His prior experience includes serving as Regional Director in the provider management area for a nationwide recovery corporation and technical sales for a $10 billion manufacturer of motion and control technology systems. Mr. Brooks completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Georgia.
David Abbott provides vision and leadership to Arbor’s information technology initiatives. With more than 25 years’ experience in technology, Mr. Abbott has served as CIO, Deputy CIO and Chief Privacy Officer for two national technology firms with responsibilities that included establishing quality assurance, service delivery, project management and system implementation best practices. Abbott’s experience includes management and development of technology solutions for diverse clients in hospitality, financial and managed services corporations. Mr. Abbott studied Computer Science at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.