Ex-CIGNA director moves to Campus Health

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Kris Kreutz started his new position as Campus Health Services assistant director on May 10, replacing former assistant director Joyce Meder. Kreutz was the executive director for CIGNA Healthcare of Arizona before joining the UA's student health center.

As a University of Arizona student 20 years ago, Kris Kreutz got his start in the medical field working at Campus Health Service.

Now, the 44-year-old Kreutz returns to the center as its new assistant director, bringing 18 years of high-level medical administrative experience with him.

"I was always intrigued by the idea of influencing student health awareness and maintenance," he said.

Kreutz said his contacts within the community and sensitivity to the population will aid him as he takes on the responsibilities his new position requires.

"The organization is dynamic and challenging enough to really hold one's attention," he said.

Kreutz took over for Joyce Meder, who moved from assistant director to the health center's leader. Meder replaced the former director, Murray DeArmond, who retired in February after 30 years of service.

Kreutz, who started his new position May 10, spent more than 12 years with CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, most recently as the executive director.

Working for CIGNA, he was making "considerably" more money, but he chose to come to the UA because it was a different type of challenge and allowed his family to stay in Tucson.

Kreutz said his background gives him an excellent foundation because skills are very transferable in medical environments.

"Campus Health is different only in the sense that this is a non-profit governmental organization, and we're satisfying a different set of people," Kreutz said. "We have a tremendous opportunity to reach out to the student population, and potentially beyond the university, to promote health and wellness."

After receiving his bachelors degree in public administration in 1978, he began graduate studies at Arizona State University.

Kreutz then transferred to the University of Phoenix, where he earned his masters degree in business administration in 1983.

Kreutz has since worked primarily in managed care, including Health America and HealthPartners.

One of his primary goals as the new assistant director is to make sure students are aware of the organization and choose Campus Health Service over private organizations.

"There is an opportunity for some internal changes that will serve to enhance an already good level of service," Kreutz said, adding that the health center is in the early planning stages for a new facility at East Sixth Street and North Highland Avenue.

"People here are really unique," Kreutz said. "It is a very caring group of folks."

Dr. Gretchen Nelson, a general physician at Campus Health Service, said Kreutz is a good fit for the university because he has expertise in operating a clinic.

"We're hoping he can increase efficiency here," said Nelson, who has worked at the health center for 20 years. "We want him here to make (Campus Health) run more smoothly for the patients."

"His heart is with the university - he loves it here," Nelson said.