MVP CEO to retire

SCHENECTADY  —  MVP Health Care President and CEO David Oliker plans to retire in early 2013, the company said today.

Oliker informed MVP’s board of directors of his intended retirement Monday night. He has led the insurer, which was founded in 1983, since its inception.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead such a wonderful company, but the time is right for me to spend more time with my family as well as pursue other interests,” Oliker said in a news release. “I cannot tell you how proud I am of the accomplishments we have collectively achieved here at MVP. I have had the honor and privilege to lead an organization that puts our customers first, and over the past 30 years, I have worked with some of the most passionate, talented people in the health-care business.

“While it is time for me to shift my day-to-day focus, my passion for health care is still strong, and I look forward to staying involved and contributing to the public debate.”

Nonprofit MVP provides health insurance, dental insurance, and ancillary products like flexible-spending accounts to members in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. It has more than 650,000 members. The insurer’s Syracuse office is at AXA Tower 2 at 120 Madison St.

“We want to thank David for three decades of incredible leadership,” said Dr. Richard D’Ascoli, chairman of MVP’s board of directors. “Without him, MVP wouldn’t be what it is today. His vision and leadership took this company from inception to a leading, innovative health-insurance organization that has been recognized for accomplishment both locally and nationally. We wish him well in whatever endeavors he chooses to pursue next. David will be missed.”

With Oliker departing, MVP’s current executive vice president of administrative services and chief legal officer, Denise Gonick, will lead the insurer’s transition efforts. Gonick will take the role of president of operations.

Contact Seltzer at rseltzer@cnybj.com