HealthPartners UnityPoint Health announces two new leaders

DES MOINES, Iowa — HealthPartners UnityPoint Health (HPUPH) today announced two appointments for key roles within the organization. Cheryl Harding joined as president of HPUPH. Becky Woody is the new vice president of health solutions sales and account service in Iowa and Illinois.

Harding began her role as president in February, bringing a strong background in the Iowa insurance industry. She spent the past three years leading AmeriHealth Caritas of Iowa, an Iowa-based Medicaid managed care program. Harding also served eight years as chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Delta Dental of Iowa, where she led strategic plan development, operations, finance, technology and compliance.

Harding will work at the HPUPH office in West Des Moines, reporting to the HPUPH Board of Directors.

As vice president of Health Solutions sales and account service, Becky Woody will be responsible for growing membership in HPUPH product lines in Iowa and Illinois. She began her role in early July.

Woody has nearly 30 years of experience in sales, account services and operations, previously performing leadership roles at organizations including Marsh, Wellmark and TriZetto Corporation. Most recently, Woody served as director of network development at TAVHealth, where she consulted with Iowa health care providers and public sector entities, focusing on managing social determinants of health to achieve improved health, patient experience and affordability.

“We are excited to have Cheryl and Becky join our organization and contribute to an already fantastic team,” said Jim Eppel, HealthPartners executive vice president and chief administrative officer. “Their strong leadership and expertise positions HealthPartners UnityPoint Health to grow in Iowa and Illinois and helps us meet the unique needs of the people who live and work in that region.”