Our Leadership Team

Sally-Ann Polson’s initial venture into health care set the stage for an exciting and varied career. After University Ms. Polson entered the Peace Corps in Gambia, West Africa, and went on to develop a Primary Health Care System for a 50-village area that had never had healthcare services.

Ms. Polson was recognized by the World Health Organization for developing the “model” for primary health systems in the third world.

Upon returning to the United States, Ms. Polson held management positions with the American Red Cross, and INOVA, the Metropolitan Washington D.C. area’s largest Health Care System. During her tenure with INOVA, Polson was charged with developing corporate health programs and starting a new Cost Containment Company, Health Cost Consultants. In 1989, Polson transitioned to Senior Vice President of INOVA and President of Health Cost Consultants, and created a medical management firm providing software and medical management services to TPAs, self-insured employer groups and health and welfare funds nationwide. HCC was successful and eventually sold to AETNA.

Ms. Polson spent the next 12 years as Executive Vice President of American Health Holding (AHH) applying her broad-base clinical, technical and business acumen to lead AHH from a small managed care company to becoming the largest in the industry in cost containment.

Now, as President of MedWatch and partnering in her own company with other industry experts, Ms. Polson is addressing the “Pain Points” of the Industry and delivering services that are truly making a difference in the medical management and cost of healthcare.

Ms. Polson is passionate about health cost containment and fiscal control and continues to successfully create change in the industry benefiting both the patients and the health plans and other payors.

Ms. Polson received her undergraduate degree with honors from Sweet Briar College and her graduate business education from the Darden School at the University of Virginia.
Sally Ann joined MedWatch in 2011.

Valerie brings over 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry, with a proven track record of leading both technology and operations to drive organizational success. Since joining MedWatch in 2006, she has overseen the full scope of Information Technology and operational functions, ensuring seamless alignment between business strategy and technical execution.

Her leadership has been instrumental in streamlining internal processes, optimizing system performance, and supporting the company’s continued growth. Valerie’s ability to bridge the gap between IT and operations has enabled MedWatch to implement scalable, efficient solutions that enhance service delivery and operational agility.

Prior to MedWatch, Valerie spent 13 years with a major Florida hospital system, where she developed and implemented innovative information systems to meet complex healthcare demands. Her expertise spans project management, system development, and enterprise operations.

Valerie holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Central Florida and Master Certificates in IS/IT Project Management and Business Analysis from Villanova University. She is passionate about continuous improvement and enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Dr. Wood holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hendrix College. He completed his post-graduate fellowship in nephrology at Yale University, and an internship and residency in internal medicine at Carolinas Medical Center.

He is a distinguished physician with extensive experience in nephrology and internal medicine. Dr. Wood is also an attending physician at Atrium Carolinas Medical Center, as well as the President of Wood Medical Consulting, PA, in Charlotte, NC.

Earlier in his career, he oversaw the initiation of nocturnal and home hemodialysis programs and managed clinical operations across multiple offices and dialysis facilities, which led to substantial growth in patient census and cost reductions through innovative documentation protocols. His involvement in utilization review spans over two decades, with expertise in inpatient hospitalization, post-acute facility stays, medications, outpatient services, surgical procedures, laboratory and radiographic tests, coding, and clinical validation.

Dr. Wood’s commitment to excellence in patient care, medical education, and healthcare management makes him an asset to MedWatch and the entire medical community. His diverse interests and extensive professional network further enhance his ability to provide exceptional medical consulting services.

Amy has held a Registered Nursing license since 1991, beginning her career as a Burn Trauma Unit Nurse in a Level 1 Trauma Center.

She has extensive experience in Case Management and Utilization Review/Management in the Acute Care, Acute Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing Facility, Home Health and Hospice Arena as well as the Insurance and Worker’s Compensation fields.

Amy obtained her Master of Business Administration degree with a specialization in Health Services Management and Finance in 2003. She joined MedWatch in 2012 as the Director of Case Management, and now as Senior Vice President of Medical Management, oversees Case Management, Utilization Review, Population Health Management Operations, as well as other Clinical functions and processes at MedWatch.

Debbie Miller joined MedWatch in January of 2018 as the Vice President of Concierge and Advocacy Services and brings her vast industry knowledge and experience to the team. Debbie began her career in the TPA industry and worked her way up the ladder to become the Vice President of Operations for EBS-RMSCO, a large TPA in New York. There she oversaw eight departments and was instrumental in managing two mergers, claim system consolidation, expense reduction, new business development and the completion of a 6-year NYS HCRA audit.

Preferring beach umbrellas over snow shovels, Debbie moved to Florida with a medical management company as the Vice President of Operations and was responsible for overseeing and coordinating all care and claims operations. Several years later, she was presented with an opportunity to join the team of a national TPA where she applied her thirty years of experience, twenty-two of which were working with self-funded/ERISA plans in the health claims industry, first as the Vice President of Operations and then as Vice President of Client Services.

In her ever-expanding role with MedWatch, Debbie’s expansive industry knowledge and experience has been instrumental in managing the growth and effectiveness of MedWatch’s Pathways – Medical Concierge Services. This comprehensive single point of contact service eliminates the administrative burden of fielding member calls regarding benefit plan details, medical procedures, prescriptions, claims status and more that were previously the responsibility of the TPA, including the ability to manage all provider calls as well. This service bridges the crucial gap between benefits & care, provider & patient, hospital & home.

Debbie’s role also provides oversight for the Medical Intake Call Center, and all ancillary services that compliment and support MedWatch’s core services.

Debbie is a graduate of Columbia College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

Kim Kline, Director of Operations, joined the MedWatch team in 2012 with over 15 years of experience in hospitality and management. Kim brings a solid foundation and passion for customer service.

In her time at MedWatch, Kim has served in several roles where she developed a fervor for efficient processes that result in the delivery of quality health cost containment solutions.

Kim attended the University of Pittsburgh. Kim is proud to be, along with her husband, raising her two children in the Steel City, where they love to root for the Black and Gold.

Rielly Donnell joined MedWatch in May 2015 and has advanced through multiple technology leadership roles, including Systems Analyst, IT Manager, and IT Director. Throughout his career, Rielly has led initiatives that strengthened cybersecurity, ensured successful SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 audits, and established documentation standards for development and security.

As Vice President of Technology, Rielly oversees all technology functions, including help desk, cybersecurity, EDI, in-house application development, data analytics, network administration, and SaaS systems. He has driven key innovations such as Power BI implementation, SSO integrations, and API-driven efficiencies that enhance security and streamline operations. Rielly is committed to fostering a collaborative leadership culture that emphasizes transparency, continuous improvement, and professional growth, while actively mentoring team members to help them achieve their full potential.

With extensive experience implementing technology solutions that support healthcare operations and cost containment at MedWatch, Rielly is passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex challenges and deliver measurable value to clients and stakeholders. He partners with company leadership to align technology initiatives with organizational goals and continues to explore emerging technologies to position MedWatch at the forefront of innovation in medical management.

Rielly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the University of Central Florida and brings over 13 years of experience spanning IT support, web development, SQL optimization, and technology leadership. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his family, taking cruises, and visiting the Northeast to spend time with extended family and friends.

Karen is a Registered Nurse with over 40 years of diverse clinical and leadership experience across hospital and outpatient settings. Her background spans Orthopedics, Medical/Surgical, Oncology, Critical Care, Home Health, Telephone Triage, Family Practice, Utilization Review, Case Management, and Disease Management.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s in Health Administration, and is a certified Accredited Case Manager (ACM-RN).

Since joining MedWatch in 2015, Karen has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles. In her current position as Vice President of Quality Management and Staff Development, she leads the organization’s URAC Accreditation efforts and oversees staff training and development initiatives, driving excellence in quality and organizational performance.

Chris brings over 12 years of experience in the self-insurance industry, specializing in cost containment, third-party administration, medical management, and vendor solutions. Throughout his career, Chris has developed a reputation for driving operational excellence and delivering innovative solutions that enhance client outcomes.

In his current role as Vice President of Operations, Chris leads critical functions including program management, product development, client implementation, system configurations, vendor relations, and process improvement. His strategic leadership ensures seamless execution and continuous improvement across all operational areas.

Chris holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Chris enjoys life with his wife and two sons. Outside of work, he is an avid hockey enthusiast, coaching and playing in his free time.

Laura Love joined MedWatch in January 2024 as Vice President of Human Resources and Benefits, bringing with her more than two decades of experience leading transformative HR strategies across the medical, banking, and aviation industries. In her current role, Laura leads enterprise-wide initiatives encompassing talent acquisition and development, benefits administration, employee relations, payroll, compensation, and performance management.

Before joining MedWatch, Laura served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at a Florida-based community bank, where she led comprehensive HR programs including talent acquisition and development, benefits, payroll, compensation, and employee engagement. In her earlier role as a regional HR leader at a global aviation support organization she oversaw HR operations across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean; ranging from recruiting, labor relations, union negotiations and acquisition integration to employee relations, payroll, and benefits.

Throughout her career, Laura has held key HR leadership positions where she has consistently driven organizational growth through effective people strategies, training, and operational excellence.

Laura holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Roosevelt University. She is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and Certified Plan Sponsor Professional (CPSP).

Anna Hansen brings over two decades of extensive experience in client solutions and retention within the managed care and cost containment sectors. She plays a pivotal role in collaborating with claim payers, TPAs, health plans, and welfare funds to address their complex cost containment needs. Her expertise encompasses a comprehensive suite of personalized healthcare solutions for both behavioral and medical health plans, serving self-funded, fully insured, and carrier clients. Anna is particularly skilled in identifying and implementing cost containment strategies that deliver a substantial return on investment without compromising the quality of patient care.

As a seasoned leader, Anna provides high-level consultative and strategic oversight for complex accounts, consistently driving innovative solutions and ensuring strong client relationships. She has a proven track record of forging strategic partnerships within the Taft-Hartley market. Anna is a frequent attendee at industry conferences, valuing connections and collaboration within the healthcare community.

Anna is a Certified Self-Funding Specialist® (CSFS®) and holds a Certificate in Health Plan Navigation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Northern Illinois University and an Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration from the College of DuPage.

Cynthia joined MedWatch in May 2012 as Vice President of Business Development and brings over 25 years industry experience in Care Management Sales, Account Management and Operations. Ms. Hom originally started her managed care career at PHCS in 1988 holding various positions during the span of ten years in Utilization Review Services, Case Management, Training and Development, National Account Management and Product Development. Ms. Hom also spent 10 years working at American Health Holding, as VP of Sales selling Care Management solutions and Wellness/Health Coaching and Population Health Management programs to TPAs, Re-insurance companies, MGUs, Hospital systems, Taft-Hartley Funds and large employers. Ms. Hom also gained experience in short and long-term disability, FMLA and Workers Compensation programs while working for Core Inc.

Ms. Hom’s past clinical experience is in Medical/ Surgical, Pediatric and Neonatal ICU at Boston Children’s Hospital and worked in Pediatric Home Care Services as well. Along with her broad-based sales experience Ms. Hom brings a solid clinical foundation to MedWatch’s sales team.

Ms. Hom received her RN licensure in 1980 from BHCC and attended Lesley University in 1992 in the advanced BS Management program. In her spare time, Ms. Hom enjoys travel, cooking, watching the Food Network shows and working out.

With nearly two decades of population health and medical cost containment experience, and a foundation forged in hospitality and service, Tim has been an integral part of the MedWatch team since 2017, creating and delivering strategic messaging about MedWatch solutions that have helped propel the recognition and growth of MedWatch within the industry.

Leveraging his strong foundation in customer service and client relations, Tim excels at translating complex healthcare solutions into clear, actionable value for clients and stakeholders. His reputation for integrity, loyalty, and client-centric thinking has made him a trusted advisor in the industry. His ongoing contributions at MedWatch reflect his commitment to increasing industry awareness of MedWatch and how that translates into client satisfaction through effective solutions that positively impact the clinical and financial health of the plan and plan members.

Before transitioning to healthcare, Tim led an international career in hospitality, managing the launch of exclusive private business, social, and golf clubs around the world. This global experience shaped his cultural fluency, adaptability, and interpersonal finesse—qualities that continue to define his professional approach.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from the University of Nebraska.