About Us
Ventegra is
More than a PBM.
Ventegra is a new class-of-trade Medical Benefit Manager (MBM), delivering a superior product with significant financial savings. We manage health care costs and improve quality of care for businesses and consumers. Our innovative MBM model, coupled with a solid foundation of company stability and community commitments, has made Ventegra a powerful force in the healthcare industry since its formation in 2004.
Ventegra was founded to create balance between profitability and affordable patient care in an industry burdened by misplaced priorities. Our team applies our core values of integrity and transparency to create new healthcare delivery channels that are more consolidated and efficient. We channel our resources to positively impact the lives of others and create value for society as a whole.
Our Mission
Ventegra is
A force for good.
Ventegra was created with the intention to ensure appropriate use of prescription drugs while lowering our clients' costs through innovative programs and products. As a Certified B Corporation, we are part of an elite tier of businesses that hold each other accountable to maintaining a balance between purpose and profit.
We are proud to be at the forefront of corporations that implement initiatives that benefit not only stakeholders, but society as a whole. For us that means we:
- Eliminate hidden margins and spreads commonly seen with traditional Pharmacy Benefit Mangers (PBMs).
- Help uninsured and underinsured populations have greater access to affordable healthcare.
- Provide employees with paid volunteer time off ("VTO") so they can be active in their communities and focused on causes that hold personal significance.
- Maintain a low carbon footprint by operating virtually as we have done for years.
- Support nonprofits such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Orangewood Foundation, and the Illumination Foundation.
Ventegra is
More than a name.
Ventegra is a family business predicated on the values of veritas (truth) and integritas (integrity). These values, which formed the basis of our name, affirm the high ethical standards built into our business model. It is not only our name, it is how we do business.
Ventegra is
A team of dedicated professionals.
A Ventegran is a loyal, supportive team member with an intrinsic drive to actively contribute to Ventegra's mission and the greater good of society. As proud representatives of Ventegra's moral and ethical culture, Ventegrans are collaborative and respectful communicators. They are proactive and innovative in creating solutions that are in alignment with Ventegra's values of truth and integrity.
At Ventegra, our dedicated team of professionals, led by our innovative leadership team and supported by our advisory committees, brings together decades of combined skills and experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Our understanding of the unique needs and concerns of employers, managed care organizations (MCOs), providers (both pharmacy and medical), trade organizations and pharmaceutical vendors enables us to improve the way drug benefits are designed, delivered and managed.
Meet Our Leadership Team
President and CEO
As a nationally recognized leader in hospital and managed care pharmacy operations, Bob Taketomo launched Ventegra in 2004 to focus on the pharmacy segment of healthcare, with a strong vision and expectation to expand into other healthcare delivery segments. He has more than 40 years of experience as a pharmacist. He started in research as a Clinical Pharmacokineticist, moving into general clinical programs as a Supervisor, Manager, and Director in the hospital environment. He has been involved in managed care for more than a decade, starting with Cigna, FHP, PacifiCare, and Health Net. For FHP and PacifiCare, Bob oversaw all pharmaceutical contracts and implemented purchase, rebate, and risk agreements. As Vice President of Industry Relations, he also launched the generic sampling program, FirstLine Solutions, and the first injectable program (now known as "specialty") at RxSolutions, the PBM for PacifiCare. In January 2002, Bob joined Health Net of California as Vice President of Pharmacy. In this capacity, he oversaw all pharmacy functions including formulary, benefit design, network management, claims, and prior authorization. He spearheaded Health Net's injectable initiative which included the consolidation of approximately $50M in injectable purchases into a single preferred pharmacy, and worked with other payors to launch The Generic Advantage program. In January 2004, he assumed pharmacy oversight responsibility for Health Net of Oregon. Bob received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California, and conducted his undergraduate studies at the University of California at Los Angeles. He completed a clinical residency in Pharmacokinetics at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in La Jolla, California. He went on to earn his Master's of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
As a nationally recognized leader in hospital and managed care pharmacy operations, Bob Taketomo launched Ventegra in 2004 to focus on the pharmacy segment of healthcare, with a strong vision and expectation to expand into other healthcare delivery segments. He has more than 40 years of experience as a pharmacist. He started in research as a Clinical Pharmacokineticist, moving into general clinical programs as a Supervisor, Manager, and Director in the hospital environment. He has been involved in managed care for more than a decade, starting with Cigna, FHP, PacifiCare, and Health Net. For FHP and PacifiCare, Bob oversaw all pharmaceutical contracts and implemented purchase, rebate, and risk agreements. As Vice President of Industry Relations, he also launched the generic sampling program, FirstLine Solutions, and the first injectable program (now known as "specialty") at RxSolutions, the PBM for PacifiCare. In January 2002, Bob joined Health Net of California as Vice President of Pharmacy. In this capacity, he oversaw all pharmacy functions including formulary, benefit design, network management, claims, and prior authorization. He spearheaded Health Net's injectable initiative which included the consolidation of approximately $50M in injectable purchases into a single preferred pharmacy, and worked with other payors to launch The Generic Advantage program. In January 2004, he assumed pharmacy oversight responsibility for Health Net of Oregon. Bob received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California, and conducted his undergraduate studies at the University of California at Los Angeles. He completed a clinical residency in Pharmacokinetics at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in La Jolla, California. He went on to earn his Master's of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
Chief Contracting Officer (CCO)
Mariana Ritchie joined Ventegra in January of 2005, starting as our first "healthcare intern." With more than 20 years of experience in pharmacy benefit management, pharmaceutical contracting, and retail pharmacy, Mariana is responsible for the company's Industry Relations. In this role, she bridges the relationship between Ventegra, our clients, and the pharmaceutical industry. Among her accomplishments, Mariana was instrumental in implementing Prescription Solutions' automated rebate system, and assisting in the development of their generic sampling program and a zip code reporting tool. She has spearheaded the development and implementation of Ventegra's proprietary Robo-Rebate® solution, and has been the lead architect of the company manifesto. Mariana holds a Master's of Public Health from Loma Linda University and is a California State Board of Pharmacy registered Pharmacy Technician.
Mariana Ritchie joined Ventegra in January of 2005, starting as our first "healthcare intern." With more than 20 years of experience in pharmacy benefit management, pharmaceutical contracting, and retail pharmacy, Mariana is responsible for the company's Industry Relations. In this role, she bridges the relationship between Ventegra, our clients, and the pharmaceutical industry. Among her accomplishments, Mariana was instrumental in implementing Prescription Solutions' automated rebate system, and assisting in the development of their generic sampling program and a zip code reporting tool. She has spearheaded the development and implementation of Ventegra's proprietary Robo-Rebate® solution, and has been the lead architect of the company manifesto. Mariana holds a Master's of Public Health from Loma Linda University and is a California State Board of Pharmacy registered Pharmacy Technician.
Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer
Mark Shinmoto, PharmD has more than 25 years of managed care expertise and results-proven experience working with health plans, hospital health systems, PBMs, medical providers, and the pharmaceutical industry market segments. Mark's experience extends to leadership roles overseeing the coordination of care health system operations, healthcare policies & compliance, accountable care organizations, and population health initiatives, including outcomes research design studies. Prior to joining Ventegra, Mark served as Director of Pharmacy for HealthCare Partners Medical Group. Mark was pharmacy co-chair for the CAPG Pharmaceutical Committee and the Medicare Pioneer ACO Pharmacy Workgroup Committee. Previously, he was Director of Pharmacy for PacifiCare Health Systems for multiple states nationally, and the Director of Pharmacy Services at RxSolutions, the PBM for PacifiCare. Mark has spoken at national conferences and university lectures. Mark received his Doctor of Pharmacy from USC and completed a post-graduate residency program at the USC/Sepulveda VA Medical Center.
Mark Shinmoto, PharmD has more than 25 years of managed care expertise and results-proven experience working with health plans, hospital health systems, PBMs, medical providers, and the pharmaceutical industry market segments. Mark's experience extends to leadership roles overseeing the coordination of care health system operations, healthcare policies & compliance, accountable care organizations, and population health initiatives, including outcomes research design studies. Prior to joining Ventegra, Mark served as Director of Pharmacy for HealthCare Partners Medical Group. Mark was pharmacy co-chair for the CAPG Pharmaceutical Committee and the Medicare Pioneer ACO Pharmacy Workgroup Committee. Previously, he was Director of Pharmacy for PacifiCare Health Systems for multiple states nationally, and the Director of Pharmacy Services at RxSolutions, the PBM for PacifiCare. Mark has spoken at national conferences and university lectures. Mark received his Doctor of Pharmacy from USC and completed a post-graduate residency program at the USC/Sepulveda VA Medical Center.
Vice President, Operations
Joyce Howie joined Ventegra in February 2005 and provides leadership in our Business Operations division. Joyce has a rich hands-on background in the pharmacy industry. She began her pharmacy career as a pharmacy technician in 1986 with Cigna Health Plans. Her biggest accomplishment with Cigna was helping launch the prior authorization department. She also received the Pharmacy Technician of the Year award. Joyce continued her pharmacy education at St. Francis Medical Center as the Department Administration Assistant. She learned the methodology around hospital pharmacy while assisting with such areas as P&T Committee and JCAHO accreditation. To round out her experience in the PBM arena, Joyce was a contract analyst for Prescription Solutions. She managed multiple rebate contracts, administering millions of dollars for PacifiCare clients. In 2005, she joined the Ventegra team in the Industry Relations department. In 2010, she transferred over to Ventegra's Business Operation team. Joyce was promoted to Vice President of Business Operations in 2015 and oversees Accounting, Human Resources, EDI, among other operational areas of Ventegra. She holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Joyce Howie joined Ventegra in February 2005 and provides leadership in our Business Operations division. Joyce has a rich hands-on background in the pharmacy industry. She began her pharmacy career as a pharmacy technician in 1986 with Cigna Health Plans. Her biggest accomplishment with Cigna was helping launch the prior authorization department. She also received the Pharmacy Technician of the Year award. Joyce continued her pharmacy education at St. Francis Medical Center as the Department Administration Assistant. She learned the methodology around hospital pharmacy while assisting with such areas as P&T Committee and JCAHO accreditation. To round out her experience in the PBM arena, Joyce was a contract analyst for Prescription Solutions. She managed multiple rebate contracts, administering millions of dollars for PacifiCare clients. In 2005, she joined the Ventegra team in the Industry Relations department. In 2010, she transferred over to Ventegra's Business Operation team. Joyce was promoted to Vice President of Business Operations in 2015 and oversees Accounting, Human Resources, EDI, among other operational areas of Ventegra. She holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Vice President, Strategic Business Development
Brian Vossler joined Ventegra in 2019 with over 35 years of healthcare business experience which has well positioned him as our Vice President of Strategic Business Development. Prior to entering the pharmacy benefits space, he worked with various start-up companies addressing pharmaceutical decision support information, pharmacy practice management software, reconciliation services, and pill counting technology. For the last 15 years, Brian has focused on disrupting traditional pharmacy benefits management companies. Before arriving at Ventegra he helped develop the transparent PBM Solution at DataRx by serving as their Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Executive Vice President, and eventually President and CEO. Today he is working with Ventegra to bring a Blue Ocean alternative to the PBM space.
Brian Vossler joined Ventegra in 2019 with over 35 years of healthcare business experience which has well positioned him as our Vice President of Strategic Business Development. Prior to entering the pharmacy benefits space, he worked with various start-up companies addressing pharmaceutical decision support information, pharmacy practice management software, reconciliation services, and pill counting technology. For the last 15 years, Brian has focused on disrupting traditional pharmacy benefits management companies. Before arriving at Ventegra he helped develop the transparent PBM Solution at DataRx by serving as their Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Executive Vice President, and eventually President and CEO. Today he is working with Ventegra to bring a Blue Ocean alternative to the PBM space.
Chief Medical Advisor
Ed Kammerer, MD joined Ventegra in 2023 as Chief Medical Advisor. He has more than 25 years of experience as an Internal Medicine Physician, spending the last 8 years leading Quality and Pharmacy for Mosaic Health System. Dr. Kammerer balanced fiscal responsibility for the health systems pharmacy costs, along with doing the right thing for the patients. Additionally, he provided strategic planning, leadership coaching, and mentoring during his tenure. Dr. Kammerer's extensive knowledge of pharmacy benefit management programs make him a great asset to Ventegra's growth. He holds an MD from Creighton University, MS in Healthcare Management from University of Texas, Dallas, and a BS from University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. He completed residency at Mayo Clinic in Internal Medicine, cementing his focus on creating a just, financially responsible, and value-based philosophy.
Ed Kammerer, MD joined Ventegra in 2023 as Chief Medical Advisor. He has more than 25 years of experience as an Internal Medicine Physician, spending the last 8 years leading Quality and Pharmacy for Mosaic Health System. Dr. Kammerer balanced fiscal responsibility for the health systems pharmacy costs, along with doing the right thing for the patients. Additionally, he provided strategic planning, leadership coaching, and mentoring during his tenure. Dr. Kammerer's extensive knowledge of pharmacy benefit management programs make him a great asset to Ventegra's growth. He holds an MD from Creighton University, MS in Healthcare Management from University of Texas, Dallas, and a BS from University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. He completed residency at Mayo Clinic in Internal Medicine, cementing his focus on creating a just, financially responsible, and value-based philosophy.
Chief of Network Administration
Maria Adams, MBA joined Ventegra as Chief of Network Administration in 2022. She brings 30 years of experience in payer and network contracting and management to the role, having held several executive positions including Senior Vice President for Network Management and Development at Alignment Healthcare, Vice President of Network Management at DaVita Healthcare Partners. She has also provided consultative and leadership support to multiple organizations across the country to help them meet their value-based growth goals. With her proven track record in successfully developing transformative value-based healthcare solutions for national and regional organizations, she is a valuable asset to the team. Her extensive knowledge and skill in strategy implementation complements continued growth and development of Ventegra's Medical Services Administration product. Maria holds an MBA from the University of Washington and a BA from California State University.
Maria Adams, MBA joined Ventegra as Chief of Network Administration in 2022. She brings 30 years of experience in payer and network contracting and management to the role, having held several executive positions including Senior Vice President for Network Management and Development at Alignment Healthcare, Vice President of Network Management at DaVita Healthcare Partners. She has also provided consultative and leadership support to multiple organizations across the country to help them meet their value-based growth goals. With her proven track record in successfully developing transformative value-based healthcare solutions for national and regional organizations, she is a valuable asset to the team. Her extensive knowledge and skill in strategy implementation complements continued growth and development of Ventegra's Medical Services Administration product. Maria holds an MBA from the University of Washington and a BA from California State University.
Vice President, Strategic Implementations and Claims
Catherine Mackey joined Ventegra in March 2013. Her 40 years of pharmacy experience brings a unique offering to Ventegra. Her career has had both retail and managed care focus, never losing sight of the importance of quality of care for members in conjunction with clients' needs. She has played integral roles at several PBMs, and brings retail experience, pharmacy training, auditing, client management, project management, network management, drug reimbursement pricing development and retail contract negotiation into play with her position as VP, Strategic Implementations. Catherine attended and studied Business Management at Indiana University. She has also been a registered Pharmacy Technician in California, Colorado, Indiana and Ohio.
Catherine Mackey joined Ventegra in March 2013. Her 40 years of pharmacy experience brings a unique offering to Ventegra. Her career has had both retail and managed care focus, never losing sight of the importance of quality of care for members in conjunction with clients' needs. She has played integral roles at several PBMs, and brings retail experience, pharmacy training, auditing, client management, project management, network management, drug reimbursement pricing development and retail contract negotiation into play with her position as VP, Strategic Implementations. Catherine attended and studied Business Management at Indiana University. She has also been a registered Pharmacy Technician in California, Colorado, Indiana and Ohio.
Vice President, IR Strategy and Analytics
Teresa Morelock became an integral part of the Ventegra team in 2008 after a 20+ year career in retail pharmacy and PBM Operations. In her previous leadership role as the Operations Manager at Prescriptions Solutions, she was instrumental in establishing key processes to reduce cycle-time, improving customer and client satisfaction. She has strong expertise in developing and monitoring metrics, financial analysis and forecasting that she utilizes to shape Ventegra's Industry Relations and Analytics teams. In her current role as VP, IR Strategies and Analytics, she provides leadership to support the short and long range vision to fully leverage data at Ventegra, including development and maintenance of the business intelligence portfolio, client cost analysis/predictive analytics, and reporting to support federal, state and contract deliverables. Her team supports individual client requests for special reports and analysis to assist the client in recognizing opportunities for improvement. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Psychology from California State University Long Beach.
Teresa Morelock became an integral part of the Ventegra team in 2008 after a 20+ year career in retail pharmacy and PBM Operations. In her previous leadership role as the Operations Manager at Prescriptions Solutions, she was instrumental in establishing key processes to reduce cycle-time, improving customer and client satisfaction. She has strong expertise in developing and monitoring metrics, financial analysis and forecasting that she utilizes to shape Ventegra's Industry Relations and Analytics teams. In her current role as VP, IR Strategies and Analytics, she provides leadership to support the short and long range vision to fully leverage data at Ventegra, including development and maintenance of the business intelligence portfolio, client cost analysis/predictive analytics, and reporting to support federal, state and contract deliverables. Her team supports individual client requests for special reports and analysis to assist the client in recognizing opportunities for improvement. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Psychology from California State University Long Beach.
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