James A. Polo, MD, MBA

Chief Medical Officer, Optum Behavioral Health

Gig Harbor, Washington, United States · 1 connection

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About

Experienced C-suite physician executive and behavioral health expert offering consulting and advisory services for startups, healthcare systems, and boards. Skilled in strategic planning, operational analysis, healthcare analytics/metrics, and business development, with a deep understanding of healthcare delivery complexities and behavioral health integration. Provides expert guidance on leadership, team-building, management efficiency, procurement, scaling innovative solutions, and navigating regulatory and market challenges. Known as a strong verbal communicator with integrity, courage, passion, and a commitment to excellence, with broad executive expertise to drive impactful change and support organizations in achieving sustainable growth and improved patient outcomes. Specialties: - Hospital and Healthcare System Leadership - Behavioral Health Integration and Delivery - Health Plan Coverage (all Lines of Business)

Experience

Chief Medical Officer, Optum Behavioral HealthUnitedHealth Group
Jun 2026

Non-executive Director (Board Advisor)Kooth Digital Health
May 2026

Executive AdvisorMightier
May 2025

Chief Medical OfficerUnitedHealthcare Community & State
Oct 2025 to May 2026

Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Carelon Behavioral HealthElevance Health
Apr 2023 to Mar 2025

Executive Medical DirectorRegence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Aug 2019 to Mar 2023

Executive Medical Director, Behavioral HealthCambia Health Solutions
Jan 2018 to Mar 2023

Chief Medical Officer, Western State HospitalWashington State Department of Social and Health Services
Dec 2015 to Dec 2017

Medical Vice President, Mary Bridge Children’s Healthcare NetworkMultiCare Health System
Oct 2012 to Nov 2015

Medical Director, Mary Bridge Children’s HospitalMultiCare Health System
May 2011 to Oct 2012

Associate ConsultantBooz Allen Hamilton
Jul 2010 to Apr 2011

Health Policy Advisor, Office of the Asst Sec of the Army (Pentagon)US Army
Jan 2008 to Jun 2010

Senior Medical Consultant, Physical Evaluation BoardUS Army
Jul 2007 to Dec 2007

47th Combat Support Hospital Commander (CEO)US Army
Jul 2005 to Jun 2007

Department Chair, Behavioral & Mental Health, Evans Army Community HospitalUS Army
Jul 2004 to Jun 2005

Critical Access Hospital Commander (CEO)US Army
Jul 2003 to Jun 2004

Chief Medical Officer, Evans Army Community HospitalUS Army
Jul 2001 to Jun 2003

Department Chief, Mental Health, Evans Community HospitalUS Army
Jul 2001 to Jan 2003

Staff PsychiatristUS Army
Jul 1993 to Jun 2001

Education

Uniformed Services University
MD, Medicine

United States Military Academy at West Point
Bachelor of Science - BS, Chemistry & Psychology

University of Colorado Colorado Springs
MBA, Business

The United States Army War College
MSS, Strategic Studies

Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
AHIP Executive Leadership
2021 to 2022