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Shared values, commitment, integrity

AAI's executive team possesses a deep understanding of what's important to anesthesiologists, along with strong leadership skills and business expertise.

Each member of the executive team brings a unique set of abilities and knowledge that complements management efforts. Shared values, commitment and integrity create a unified direction for the company. The team is charged with bringing the company's vision to reality and ensuring operational excellence.

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Executive Team


Craig Van Valkenburg, BS
Craig Van Valkenburg, BS
Sr. Vice President
With more than 20 years experience working with physicians and healthcare providers, Craig provides leadership and strategic oversight to AAI. Prior to joining the company, he served as executive director of Northwest Providers Network, LLC and was vice president for Brim, Inc., a diversified, national healthcare company. While with Brim, he was president of a subsidiary, Brim Physician Services. Craig received his bachelor's degree in finance from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon and is a member of the MGMA Anesthesia Administration Assembly.
Kathy Payne, CPC
Kathy Payne, CPC
Vice President, Billing & Collection
In nearly two decades with AAI, Kathy has overseen growth in the business and improvements in billing and collection processes. Her leadership provides stability and ensures consistent and reliable service to AAI clients. Prior to joining the company, Kathy worked seven years in medical billing at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. She studied at Spokane Community College and is accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders as a Certified Professional Coder. Kathy is a long-time member of the MGMA Anesthesia Administration Assembly.
Ruth Morton, PhD
Ruth Morton, PhD
Vice President, Administration & Organizational Development
Ruth oversees business and human resource development. She has more than 25 years of management experience and 15 years healthcare experience. Her consulting clients included numerous medical centers, physician groups, pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies. She holds a doctorate in community & human resources from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, and a master's degree in adult educational leadership from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Ruth belongs to the MGMA Anesthesia Administration Assembly, the Association for Corporate Growth, and serves as president of the board of a non-profit center for deaf education.
John Pierce, MBA
John Pierce, MBA
Vice President, Information Systems & Technology
John draws on 25 years experience to guide and direct all aspects of technology and systems within AAI. Prior to joining AAI, he worked for Intel, Sequent Computers and, most recently, Qmedtrix Systems. His experience includes full system implementation, software development, IT integration, database administration, and quality assurance. In addition, he has managed strategic business planning and project management. John earned a bachelor's degree from Reed College in Portland, Oregon and received his master's degree in business administration from Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts and is a member of the Society of Information Management.

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