WellCare of Georgia, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc., announced that Sonya Nelson has joined the company as state president, effective Feb. 13, 2017. In this role, she will be responsible for WellCare of Georgia's Medicaid and Medicare Advantage businesses including strategy, regulatory compliance, network management, sales and marketing, medical management, finance and administration. She will report to Gregg MacDonald, senior vice president, division president.

"With a career in health care spanning more than 25 years, Sonya has exceptional experience in providing quality, cost-effective health care solutions that deliver better health outcomes for the members we serve," said MacDonald. "Her leadership skills and managed care services background will be a tremendous asset for WellCare."

"I am honored to have been chosen to lead WellCare's operations in Georgia," said Nelson. "My number one goal is to help make the communities we serve healthier. This will encompass many coordinated strategies, including continuing to partner with the state and providers to offer quality health care access for our members; expanding our Medicare Advantage presence; and building on WellCare's culture of service excellence."

Nelson joins WellCare from Amerigroup Louisiana, where she held leadership roles including state president and chief operating officer, and served approximately 229,000 members who participate in the state's Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion and LaCHIP programs. Before joining Amerigroup, Nelson held positions of increasing responsibility with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Humana, Inc. Nelson graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in business administration, management and operations.