Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare announced the appointment of Michael V. Paul as senior vice president and chief strategy officer. Paul joins the healthcare system from WellCare Health Plans in Tampa, Fla., where he served most recently as chief operating officer and chief of staff for the South and Midwest division.

Paul will lead strategic planning initiatives that guide decision making along with growth and operational objectives. He will also be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities and innovative approaches aligned with MLH's vision and mission to provide high quality, cost effective care to anyone who walks through its doors. Paul will oversee Strategy, Planning and Research; Marketing, Communications and Web Strategy; and Process Improvement and Innovation.

As COO and chief of staff of WellCare's South and Midwest division, Paul led the division's financial, strategic and operational priorities that drove clinical outcomes, growth, operational efficiency and financial performance of more than $15 billion in revenue.

Paul holds a bachelor's degree in business, cum laude, from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Paul, his wife Lindsay and daughter Olivia will relocate to Memphis this fall.