By Diane Carman

The public review process for the selection of the new CEO for Colorado’s health exchange began Thursday with the announcement that the board had unanimously chosen Robert C. Malone as its finalist for the position. The vote was taken in an executive session Wednesday evening.

“We did an extensive national search to find the right person to lead Connect for Health Colorado through its transition as a start-up to a fully sustainable marketplace that serves the people of our state well into the future,” said Board Chair Sharon O’Hara. “Bob has broad insurance industry and business expertise, and he brings new ideas and enthusiasm for advancing our marketplace to serve Coloradans.”

Malone has been chief executive of the Assist Group in Lakewood, Colo., since 2013. The company works with health plans, reinsurers, underwriters and third-party administrators doing claims-review and resolution services.

The public has 14 days to comment on Malone’s selection. Persons who wish to submit comments should email them to the exchange board at: [email protected].

The selection also will be reviewed by the Legislative Health Benefit Exchange Implementation Review Committee before a formal offer will be made. The committee also will be involved in determining a compensation package for the final selection.

The exchange has been led by Interim CEO Gary Drews since Patty Fontneau left the job last July to go to work for Cigna. Drews was not interested in applying for the permanent position. The exchange also is searching for a new chief financial officer and chief operations officer.