Nonprofit health plan insurer names new president

Nov 10

Written By Staff

Nick Gates

Photo courtesy of Priority Health

Priority Health has named Nick Gates as the company’s new president. The appointment follows a rigorous, nationwide search for a leader of the third-largest provider-sponsored health plan in the country. Gates had been serving as interim president since May 2025.

“Nick has demonstrated exceptional leadership and played a pivotal role in Priority Health’s success,” said Tina Freese Decker, president & CEO, Corewell Health. “His deep understanding of our mission and his ability to lead through this time of complex changes in the health insurance field made him the clear choice to guide Priority Health into its next chapter.”

Gates brings more than 20 years of health plan, finance and accounting experience to the role. He joined Priority Health in 2004 and has held a variety of finance and leadership positions, including serving as senior vice president of finance.

“I’m honored to serve as president and eager to continue working to improve health outcomes and affordability for our health plan members,” Gates said.

Since May, Gates has advanced a company wide digital transformation to simplify and improve experiences for health plan members and providers. He also successfully guided Priority Health through the agreement process with plans to become the sole governing member of Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire, which will expand Priority Health’s regional footprint to four states.

“Nick’s proven leadership and institutional knowledge make him uniquely qualified to lead Priority Health,” said Ann Harten, Chair, Priority Health Board of Directors. We’re confident in his ability to continue advancing our strategic priorities and delivering value to our members and partners.”

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