Priority Health Appoints Brian Steele, D.O., as Chief Medical Officer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After a nationwide search, Priority Health, a Michigan-based, nationally recognized nonprofit health plan serving 1.4 million members, has named Brian Steele, D.O., as senior vice president and chief medical officer. He will join Priority Health on April 6, 2026.

Dr. Steele will lead Priority Health’s clinical and pharmacy programs, the development and coordination of population health programs and chronic disease management strategies. His unique experience of successfully partnering with care providers will help further Priority Health’s mission of improving health, enhancing the member experience and enabling access to affordable, high-quality health care.

Dr. Steele is a senior health care executive and business strategist with a record of leading clinical transformation, advancing value-based care and delivering measurable improvements in quality, affordability and member experience across payer and provider operations.

He most recently served as chief medical officer for Collaborative Health Systems, a Centene Corporation, where he led clinical strategy, quality and network initiatives, medical management and provider engagement across multiple markets.

“Brian brings a unique blend of clinical depth, payer expertise and data-driven innovation that will accelerate our strategy and amplify our impact for our members, providers and the communities we serve,” said Nick Gates, president of Priority Health. “His track record in quality, affordability and operational excellence makes him an outstanding leader for the next stage of our growth.”

Dr. Steele received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Allegheny College and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“Priority Health’s mission and vision to make health affordable and accessible resonate deeply with me,” said Steele. “I look forward to partnering with our teams and providers to expand high-performing programs, advance population health and deliver improved outcomes that reduce the cost of care.”

About Priority Health:

Our members are at the heart of everything we do. With 40 years in business, Priority Health is the second-largest health plan in Michigan and the third-largest provider-sponsored health plan in the nation, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving 1.4 million members in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin, Priority Health offers a broad network of primary care physicians and continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health. Visit the Priority Health newsroom for the latest news.