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PEP board recommends Theresa Karsten to director and governor as executive officer after interviews
Summary
After interviewing two finalists, the Public Employees Benefits Program board voted to recommend Theresa Karsten to the Director of the Nevada Health Authority and the governor for appointment as PEP executive officer. The decision followed extended questioning about vendor oversight, cost containment and transition into the Nevada Health Authority.
The Public Employees Benefits Program board on July 31 voted to recommend Theresa Karsten to the Director of the Nevada Health Authority and the governor for appointment as the program’s executive officer.
Board members interviewed two finalists in a public session. Theresa Karsten detailed her qualifications under NRS 287, citing a bachelor’s degree and roughly seven years of experience overseeing managed‑care contracts and actuarial work. Members questioned both candidates about contract and vendor management, cost‑containment strategies, leadership style, ethics and change management during a session that lasted about an hour for the first candidate and a similar period for the second.
Karsten told the board she emphasizes data‑driven decisions, stakeholder engagement and working closely with actuaries and vendors to manage cost drivers such as high‑cost pharmaceuticals and utilization. She described past work aligning contracts and adjusting reimbursement structures to improve care delivery and containment. On ethics and fiscal stewardship she said she favors full disclosure, accountability and training to prevent paying for incomplete or unverified vendor work.
Board members who spoke during the discussion cited Karsten’s managed‑care and Medicaid experience as a primary reason to favor her. Jim Wells moved to recommend Karsten; Janelle Woodward seconded the motion. The board approved the recommendation by voice vote.
The recommendation is a formal advisory action to the Director of the Nevada Health Authority and the governor; the meeting record does not show the director’s or governor’s final appointment decision. The board also discussed start‑date logistics: Karsten said she has annual leave scheduled in mid‑August but indicated she could support transition work remotely if appointed.
What happens next: The Director of the Nevada Health Authority and the governor will consider the board’s recommendation for formal appointment and finalize any start date and transition plan.
