Universal American has hired new employees who will join the company’s Northeast regional headquarters in Syracuse. New team members include: Marge Mercury, executive director Northeast market. Prior to joining Universal American, she held several executive positions in the health-care industry, including the Camden Group, Evercare, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Mercury is a registered nurse and received her master’s degree in health-care management from Hartford Graduate Center. Mary Reed, executive clinical consultant, previously was the director of clinical services for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in health-care administration from New School University. Patty Smith, manager of case management, previously was a triage coordinator at Upstate University Hospital and a school nurse in the Baldwinsville Central School District. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Jennifer Young, director of administrative services, was previously the manager of membership management for Univera Community Health and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Medaille College.