WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Health First Health Plans announced today that Matt Gerrell, its President & CEO for the past several years, is “no longer with Health First.” The decision, described as made after “careful consideration,” comes via an internal memo from Terry Forde, President & CEO of Health First.
Forde revealed that Jamie Forrest, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of Interim President, while retaining her COO responsibilities. Forrest brings deep institutional knowledge—she’s been with the organization since June 2006 and has held the position of COO for approximately six years.
Health First emphasized that “operations will continue without interruption,” and that all current roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines remain unchanged during the transition. The memo closed by urging employees to support Forrest and the leadership team during this period.
From Regional Growth to Sudden Exit
During his tenure, Matt Gerrell steered Health First Health Plans through significant growth, expanding the provider’s reach across multiple Florida counties. Under his leadership, the plan achieved recognition—including a 4.5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and ranking in the top 10% among Medicare Advantage plans nationwide.
He was also lauded for his customer-centric leadership style, prioritizing personal connections and a localized workforce familiar with the community.
Was Gerrell Fired?
The company’s terminology—that Gerrell is “no longer with Health First”—strongly suggests an involuntary separation, as such phrasing is commonly used to indicate termination. However, the absence of clarity—no mention of retirement, resignation, or the reasons behind the decision—leaves his departure shrouded in uncertainty.
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