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Matt Peterson

Executive Vice President and President, BH Division at UHS | Brigadier General at U.S. Air Force

Professional Background

Matt Peterson serves as the Executive Vice President (EVP) at Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS, Fortune 300), where he also holds the position of President of the Behavioral Health Division. In these influential roles, he is responsible for overseeing strategy, operations, and growth across a vast network of over 350 healthcare facilities operating in 39 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. Under his guidance, Matt leads a workforce of approximately 45,000 dedicated professionals focused on delivering exceptional care to patients.

As a member of the esteemed UHS Corporate Officers team, he plays a vital part in shaping the overall direction of the company's diverse portfolio of subsidiaries. This portfolio includes not only Behavioral Health facilities but also acute care hospitals, physician networks, and insurance offerings – a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem employing over 90,000 team members. Matt's leadership style and strategic vision have been instrumental in fostering growth and enhancing patient care across this expansive organization.

In parallel with his corporate responsibilities, Matt proudly serves as a Brigadier General in the Air National Guard (ANG). He acts as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Deputy Surgeon General of the United States Air Force, a role that requires him to assist in the management of the Air Force Medical Service, which boasts a substantial $6.1 billion budget and serves a massive 2.6 million beneficiaries across 76 military treatment facilities worldwide. Matt's extensive military experience, spanning over 27 years, has equipped him with a wealth of expertise in healthcare execution within a military context. His leadership roles have included multiple commands and responsibilities in areas such as global operations, administration and finance, strategy, policy, global health, security cooperation, and international affairs.

Education and Achievements

In terms of academic credentials, Matt holds impressive degrees that underpin his extensive career in healthcare management. He obtained a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the University of Minnesota, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specializing in Finance from the University of St. Thomas. His foundational education was completed with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a dual focus on Finance & Management from the University of North Dakota. This solid educational background has provided him with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various leadership roles throughout his career.

Before joining Universal Health Services, Matt spent over a decade at UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UHG, Fortune 5), where he held several leadership positions focusing on managed care, healthcare services, and technology. His time as SVP and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Optum, a health service and technology company with a client base of 50,000 providers and strong connections to over 4,500 medical centers, allowed him to directly influence health service delivery for more than 128 million consumers.

Matt also contributed as Senior Vice President, Enterprise Operations at Optum, where he was pivotal in leading the end-to-end delivery of healthcare products and services across a variety of marketplaces, including federal, state, payer, provider, and international. His broad experience in these roles uniquely positions him to understand the complex dynamics of healthcare delivery on both the administrative and clinical fronts.

Additionally, his role as Regional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for UnitedHealthcare's TRICARE contract underscored his capability in managing healthcare solutions within military contracts. His versatility and depth of knowledge in operations and strategic management have been key drivers of success throughout his professional journey.

Contributions and Leadership Roles

In addition to his roles at UHS and the Air National Guard, Matt has made significant contributions to the field of healthcare education. He has served as an adjunct assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, sharing his vast knowledge and experiences with future healthcare leaders. His passion for teaching and mentoring is a testament to his commitment to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Throughout his career, Matt has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive innovation, optimize healthcare delivery models, and enhance operational efficiencies. His extensive involvement in strategy, mergers, and acquisitions at Optum highlights his acumen for navigating complex business landscapes in the healthcare sector.

Now residing in the greater Philadelphia area, Matt's career has seen him traversing through various regions, having spent over 30 years in Minnesota and originally hailing from Bozeman, Montana. This blend of experiences across different states and environments enriches his perspective on healthcare needs and community engagement, enabling him to connect with diverse patient populations and stakeholders across the globe.

Related Questions

How did Matt Peterson develop his expertise in managing complex healthcare systems?
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In what ways has Matt Peterson contributed to the advancement of healthcare education during his tenure as an adjunct professor?
Matt Peterson
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Location

Greater Philadelphia