PacifiCare Appoints Chief of Arizona Plan

PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. of Santa Ana said Thursday that it appointed Rick Badger, president of its Northern California operations, to the post of president and chief executive of the company’s Arizona health plan.

The Santa Ana managed health-care company said Badger, 48, succeeds Steve Lindstrom, 51, who has led the plan since 1995. PacifiCare expects to name a new Northern California president in July.

Badger also will hold the title of regional vice president Arizona, Nevada and Asia Pacific operations. He was appointed to the newly created position of president of Northern California last year, responsible for provider services, health services, underwriting and sales and marketing for both commercial and Secure Horizons.

Badger joined PacifiCare in 1993 as senior vice president-general manager of Northern California.

Lindstrom assumed leadership of FHP Arizona in 1995 and was named regional vice president for Arizona, Nevada and Asia Pacific in 1997, PacifiCare Health said. A company spokesperson said Lindstrom is exploring other job opportunities both inside and outside the company.