Vermont Business Magazine The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) announces the appointment of former Agency of Human Services (AHS) Secretary Mike Smith as the Independent Liaison to the University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN). On April 4, 2024, GMCB voted unanimously to approve a settlement with the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) that required, amongst other things, the appointment of an independent liaison to review and opine on UVMHN hospital budget submissions and material operations and management decisions, including funds flow to New York-based UVMHN hospitals. The settlement additionally required the independent liaison to serve as a member of a workgroup that directs and oversees independent third-party efforts to evaluate and reform UVMHN operations to ensure cost-effective management and operations.
“Secretary Smith’s steady leadership, experience, and impartial approach make him uniquely suited for this important role. I am confident he and his team will advance our shared interests in ensuring our largest healthcare system achieves operational excellence and provides critical care in a way Vermonters can afford,” said Owen Foster, Chair of the Green Mountain Care Board. “I greatly appreciate Mike’s commitment to public service and his willingness to serve as Independent Liaison to UVMHN.”
Mr. Smith is widely recognized for his leadership and deep expertise across the public and private sectors in Vermont. Mr. Smith’s public service includes multiple appointments as Secretary of the Agency of Human Services and Secretary of Administration, and he has held senior executive roles in telecommunications, insurance, and health IT. Most recently, Mr. Smith served as Interim President of Vermont State University and he previously led Vermont’s pandemic response as Secretary of AHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and former member of SEAL Team Two. Mr. Smith holds both a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont.
Mr. Smith may hire two additional professionals to assist him in his work as Independent Liaison to UVMHN. The workgroup and Independent Liaison role will last for sixteen months or until the independent consultants submit their report(s), whichever is later. GMCB’s resolution with UVMMC further required $11 million to support non-hospital primary care providers, $12 million to resolve Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont’s allegations that UVMMC overcharged the insurer in FY22 and FY23, submission of a hospital budget in compliance with GMCB guidance for FY26, and adjustments to its FY25 commercial costs to the extent necessary to comply with GMCB’s FY25 budget order.
About: The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) is an independent, five-member board working toward a sustainable, equitable healthcare system that delivers better health outcomes for all Vermonters. Established in 2011, GMCB’s mission is to improve access, affordability, and quality across the healthcare system. GMCB leads with transparency through regular public meetings that give voice to healthcare providers, organizations, and the public. Using a holistic, data-driven approach, the Board carries out its regulatory responsibilities, fosters innovation in care delivery and payment reform, and provides independent analysis to evaluate and improve the performance of Vermont’s healthcare system.
Source: 4.15.2025. Montpelier, VT – Green Mountain Care Board
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