Gremminger Succeeding Thompson as Head of National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions

Shawn Gremminger, M.P.P., a veteran policy and legislative affair executives for healthcare trade and other organizations, is succeeding Michael Thompson as the president and CEO of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions.

Shawn Gremminger, M.P.P., has been selected to succeed Michael Thompson as the president and CEO of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions.

The national alliance is an umbrella group for more than two dozen regional organizations that represent the interest of healthcare purchasers, principally large employers, many of whom self-insure.

Michael Thompson, the president and CEO of the National Alliance for Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions since 2016, is retiring.

Thompson has been president and CEO since 2016 and has recently taken a forceful position on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), criticizing them for not working in the best interest of employers.

Related: Michael Thompson on Employer-PBM Relations and What It Will Take to Change Them

Gremminger is currently senior vice president at Reservoir Communications Group, a Washington, D.C., healthcare consulting and communications firm. The alliance’s press release about Gremminger’s appointment says he led Reservoir’s communications and public affairs strategy and execution on a number of issues, including the controversial 340B program, employer-sponsored insurance regulations and Medicare payment.

Gremminger took aim at the 340B program in a recent post on his LinkedIn page. “PBMs are in the crosshairs of policymakers for their role in driving up drug prices,” Gremminger posted. “But let’s not forget another middleman who plays an enormous role in marking up the price of drugs — hospitals and health systems. Last year 340B grew to more than $50 billion in sales.”

According to Gremminger’s LinkedIn profile, prior to Reservoir he was director of health policy for Purchaser Business Group on Health (formerly the Pacific Business Group on Health) from May 2020 through March 2022. The Purchase Business Group on Health is a member of the national alliance and one of the most influential of the employer-based healthcare payer organizations.

Gremminger has also held positions at Families USA, America’s Essential Hospitals and the National Association of Children’s Hospitals, according to his LinkedIn profile.

“Shawn has long worked with coalitions and shares our passion for the mission to be a recognized force in driving health, equity and value on behalf of coalitions and their purchaser members,” Chris Syverson, CEO of the Nevada Business Group on Health and Board chair, said in the national alliance’s press release about the selection of Gremminger.

Thompson will continue serving as president and CEO until he retires at the end of the year. Gremminger is scheduled to officially take his place on Jan. 2, 2024