Who We Are
Pehr grew out of a practical need for the implementation of EHR in a 50 physician multi-specailty group. The group had gone down the path of trying to implement the NextGen EHR and had not been successful. The Pehr founders were brought in to solve this problem, and have since formed Pehr in order to provide similar services to other multi-physician practices.
Pehr’s CEO
Pehr’s unique business model attracted the attention of James E. Anderson, a dynamic serial entrepreneur with decades of experience leading private equity funded companies and Fortune 500 business units. Jim has extensive experience in the technology service industry raising capital, developing worldwide sales channels, negotiating high stakes international deals, and leading mergers and acquisitions. He also has practical, hand’s on experience in sales, leading teams, administering operating budgets, and improving processes through Lean 6-Sigma methodologies.
Known as an expert in increasing corporate value, Jim has lead a number of organizations to successful exits. Seeing tremendous potential for Pehr in a budding and under resourced market, and being impressed by the founders’ vision and cohesion, Jim moved from Texas in early November to lead the organization. He brings with him a global professional network, years of applicable experience and an unparalleled drive for efficiency and success.
Jim is a former naval officer and has a Bachelor’s in computer science and mathematics from Purdue University, as well as a Master’s of Science in systems management from the University of Southern California. He is also a patent holder and Leah 6-Sigma green belt.
The Co-Founders
Dr. Andrew Pruitt is a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon practicing at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He holds numerous hospital leadership positions including Surgery Vice Chair, Thoracic Surgery Section Head and Medical Director of the Physician Assistant Residency Program in Cardiothoracic Surgery. While President of a 50 physician multispecialty group, Dr. Pruitt led the organization through a restructuring process which empowered the EHR team, allowing for successful implementations. He was the lead physician on the development of the cardiothoracic templates that he and his partners utilize today.
Rita Rodriguez is a diverse healthcare leader with a unique 20 year background including primary care and specialty care experience in both private and hospital-owned practices. Throughout her career, Rita has been responsible for the implementation of dozens of health IT projects including practice management systems, document management systems and time clock software. She has a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and is known in the community as an expert in physician incentive programs, HR law and strategies, and regulations such as ARRA (HITECH’s Meaningful Use) and HIPAA.
Michael Germain is a leading expert in ambulatory healthcare information technology with proven experience leveraging technology for medical and surgical practices. He has developed a practical approach to implementing technology for physicians that exceeds expectations. This method includes an unwavering focus on three aspects of a medical practice: taking better care of patients, simplifying and reducing tasks, and increasing profitability. Michael considers his formal education in Mathematics as the foundation upon which his method evolved.
The Pehr Board
Pehr’s Board is currently made up of five Managers. It is fortunate to have Theresa Carroll as its Chairman. Theresa is a former partner with the law firm Dykema Gossett where she was a member of the firm’s Corporate Finance practice group and co-leader of its Mergers and Acquisitions practice. She has elected an early retirement and stays active with her family and community involvement.
Pehr is also very fortunate to have Ted Dacko on its Board. Ted has 36 years of executive-level experience, much of which was with early stage technology companies. Most recently, he was the CEO of HealthMedia Inc., where he spent six years growing the company to the point of achieving an 18 to 1 and 10 to 1 return for its two venture capital firms. Ted’s latest endeavor is as founder and principal of Arbor Dakota, a company which helps early stage companies implement growth strategy to enhance shareholder value.
Jim Anderson (CEO), Andrew Pruitt, M.D. (co-founder and investor) and Rita Rodriguez (co-founder, investor and President) serve as the remaining Board of Managers.