AArete Signals Next Phase of Growth with Key Leadership Appointments
New leaders strengthen strategy, corporate development and clinical intelligence capabilities to deliver additional value for clients
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AArete, a leading global tech-forward consulting firm, today announced the appointments of Jeff Berger as vice president, strategy and corporate development, and Dr. Danielle Smith as vice president, clinical intelligence. These strategic additions reflect AArete’s continued investment in leadership, innovation and specialized expertise as the firm advances its next phase of growth.
“Jeff and Danielle will be great additions to the leadership of our growing firm,” said Loren Trimble, chief executive officer of AArete.
“They are accomplished leaders with proven track records of driving transformation, accelerating growth and delivering results. Their appointments reinforce our commitment to serving clients at the highest level with healthcare innovation as we position the firm for continued success.”
Jeff and Danielle’s appointments reinforce our commitment to serving clients at the highest level with healthcare innovation as we position the firm for continued success.
Loren Trimble, CEO
Advancing Firm Strategy and Growth
As vice president, strategy and corporate development, Berger serves as a strategic partner to AArete’s executive leadership team, helping define firm-wide priorities and translate strategy into action. He leads the firm’s corporate development initiatives, including merger and acquisition strategy, due diligence and post-merger integration.
Berger brings more than 20 years of experience in strategy, corporate development and operational excellence. Prior to joining AArete, he spent two decades at Protiviti, where he partnered with executive leadership to advance enterprise strategy, organizational effectiveness and growth initiatives.
Berger holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) and a Six Sigma Green Belt certified by the American Society for Quality.
Expanding Clinical Intelligence Capabilities
As vice president, clinical intelligence, Smith helps expand AArete’s clinical intelligence capabilities across several strategic solution areas. Her expertise spans clinical operations, medical management, utilization management, clinical policy and government-sponsored healthcare programs.
With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and managed care, Smith has deep expertise in advancing healthcare quality, patient safety, clinical efficiency and value-based outcomes. Throughout her career, Smith has served as a transformational leader focused on quality improvement, operational excellence and healthcare innovation. Her previous leadership roles include vice president at Redwood Management Inc., national medical director for clinical policy at Molina Healthcare and program medical director/chief hospitalist at Sound Physicians.
Smith earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She also holds a Lean Six Sigma certification and Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University.
“We are fortunate to have Danielle and Jeff join our team. These leadership appointments represent another important milestone in AArete’s growth journey,” added Trimble. “As organizations face increasing complexity and pressure to transform, we are investing in the talent and capabilities required to help them navigate change, unlock value and achieve results.”
