Centene announces retirement of executive VP and CFO

Centene Corporation announced today that William N. Scheffel, executive vice president and chief financial officer, has informed the company of his plan to retire in early 2016.

It is Scheffel’s intent to step down in February after filing the Form 10-K, or when the Health Net transaction is completed, whichever is later.

Michael F. Neidorff, chairman, president and CEO, said he and the Board of Directors appreciate Scheffel's contributions to the company over the past 12 years.

Since joining Centene in 2003, Scheffel has overseen the company's accounting, tax and financial reporting for the consolidated company and each of its health plans and specialty companies.

As chief financial officer, he has directed the company's financial growth, and overseen multiple acquisitions moving Centene from $3 billion in revenues to $21 billion forecasted for 2015.

The board has selected Jeffrey A. Schwaneke, senior vice president, corporate controller and chief accounting officer as chief financial officer when Scheffel steps down.

Schwaneke has over 18 years of experience, including over 11 years at Fortune 500 companies. In his current role at Centene, Schwaneke's main responsibilities include all accounting, treasury and financial reporting functions. Before to joining Centene in 2008, he served as vice president, controller and chief accounting officer at Novelis Inc.