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Colorado Access Announces President and CEO Annie Lee Named a Most Admired CEO by Denver Business Journal

AURORA, Colo. — Colorado Access, the state’s largest and most experienced public sector health plan, is proud to announce that President and CEO Annie Lee, has been named a Denver Business Journal Most Admired CEO. The award highlights Annie’s contribution to the company since joining in 2022, and to the community that Colorado Access serves.

Since beginning her role as president and CEO, Lee has ensured that Colorado Access continues to work toward supporting care that extends beyond what is explicitly covered under Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program). The company has expanded its focus to include support and services that address social determinants of health. This includes initiatives to improve access to housing, food security, and mental health services.

“As a board member for Colorado Access, I am proud to be a part of the recent efforts to broaden the idea of what ‘health care’ means,” said Terri Richardson, MD, board member for Colorado Access. “Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand how important social determinants of health are to the wellness of those we serve in our community.”

Under Lee’s leadership, creating and strengthening community partnerships and focusing on person-centered, whole-person care have been priorities to further the organization’s mission of providing access to quality, equitable, and affordable care. The nonprofit has strengthened partnerships with local schools, public health agencies, and primary care providers. These collaborative efforts aim to develop and support models of care that are culturally responsive and drive improved health outcomes at individual and community levels.

In the past 12 months, Lee has also driven transformative changes at Colorado Access, demonstrating strong leadership and vision toward changes within the company and externally.

“As the first new president and CEO in 16 years, and notably the first woman and person of color in this role, Annie has leveraged her unique perspectives to lead the organization through a critical period of realignment and strategic growth,” said April Abrahamson, chief people officer and talent development officer for Colorado Access, “Annie’s tenure has also been marked by a strong focus on the company’s internal culture.”

In recent years, the organization has implemented various initiatives to show appreciation, including offering a new recognition system, competitive salaries and benefits, and access to leadership training. This focus on employee well-being ensures a motivated and engaged workforce, crucial for delivering on the organization’s mission. As a result, Colorado Access has been named a Denver Post Top Workplace for two consecutive years.

About Colorado Access
As the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in the state, Colorado Access is a nonprofit organization that works beyond just navigating health services. The company focuses on meeting members’ unique needs by partnering with providers and community organizations to provide better personalized care through measurable results. Their broad and deep view of regional and local systems allows them to stay focused on members’ care while collaborating on measurable and economically sustainable systems that serve them better. Learn more at coaccess.com.