James Michel has been part of Access Health CT since the early stages of the organization. He first served as the operations manager when he started in 2013. He was promoted to director of operations in 2014 and assumed the role of director of finance in 2017.
After being appointed interim chief executive officer in 2018, Michel was officially designated as CEO in September of that year.
Michel focuses on fulfilling AHCT’s mission to reduce the rate of the uninsured and eliminate health disparities in Connecticut, strengthen and expand the AHCT brand, improve the customer experience and ensure sustainability.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year?
One of the most significant accomplishments for us this past year was the creation and launch of the Broker Academy. The Broker Academy is a no-cost broker training program for people living and working in underserved communities. It was created to form a bridge of trust between the healthcare industry and communities of color.
Another accomplishment was leading an organization that maintained flexibility during the many changes that affected our industry this year, including the Covered CT Program, American Rescue Plan Act and Inflation Reduction Act, so that our customers could get more affordable health insurance.
Guiding business principle: I believe in creating a culture where every employee feels valued in order to maximize their talent to the benefit of our customers.
Best way to keep your competitive edge: It’s by leading a flexible staff that can pivot in an industry that changes every month so that we can be responsive to our customers, both state and federal government and the needs of our community.
Best business decision: The decision is creating a strategic plan for AHCT that is focused on our employees and culture as well as our core mission of reducing the rate of the uninsured and eliminating health disparities in the state. In addition, meeting with every new employee at Access Health CT to ensure they understand that they are valued and accepted for who they are.
Goal yet to be achieved: My goal is Access Health CT’s goal – to reduce the number of uninsured residents to zero.
Personal touch in your office: Posted in my office, I have a framed copy of our company’s six values, which were created when I became CEO and are employee-driven. Those values are authenticity, integrity, excellence, ownership, one team and passion.
In what ways are you involved in the community?
I believe that if you’re not giving back, you’re just taking. I serve on the board of directors for Outreach to Haiti, the Urban League of Greater Hartford, YMCA of Greater Hartford, University of Hartford and Suffield Academy. I am also the chair of Jumoke Academy’s board of directors.
Personal side
City of residence: Bloomfield
Favorite way to relax: I meditate and work out every morning.
Hobbies: I golf as much as I can and I love doing community service.
Last vacation: Vancouver and Seattle
Favorite movie: “To Sir, with Love”
Currently reading: A biography of Cornelius “the Commodore” Vanderbilt
Favorite cause: Helping those less fortunate through organizations like Outreach to Haiti.
Second choice career: I would teach business management and leadership.