MADISON, Wis. (Aug. 4, 2026) — The Alliance, a not-for-profit cooperative that helps employers save on healthcare expenses, has hired Jared Fritz as its new Vice President of Provider Contracting & Relations.
Fritz will oversee provider contracting and engagement activities, support network growth initiatives and contribute to the strategic direction of the organization — taking over for retiring Vice President of Contracting & Relations, Deb Kunferman.
Most recently, Fritz served as Director of Network Management for First Health, an Aetna subsidiary, where he led enterprise network strategy and managed executive-level relationships with nationally recognized health systems and providers.
“We are excited to welcome Jared to The Alliance and look forward to the leadership, expertise and vision that he will bring,” said Curt Kubiak, president and CEO of The Alliance. “His experience negotiating complex provider agreements, expanding provider networks and building strong strategic partnerships will be instrumental as The Alliance continues to strengthen and expand its footprint.”
Fritz brings more than 15 years of healthcare experience and more than 10 years of leadership in provider contracting, network strategy, provider relations and operational transformation. Throughout his career, he has successfully led large-scale provider contracting initiatives, developed strategic provider partnerships, and driven network growth across commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, workers’ compensation and other healthcare markets.
Fritz will have a working overlap with Kunferman, providing the opportunity for a seamless transition. Kunferman plans to retire near the end of the year.
Kunferman joined The Alliance in 2013. She oversaw the team responsible for constructing a provider network that brought value to employer healthcare purchasing. During her time at The Alliance, Kunferman helped expand the footprint of The Alliance’s expansive provider network in Wisconsin and beyond.
“I’m grateful for Deb’s leadership and her commitment to building strong relationships with our provider partners. Her contributions have helped position the organization for continued success, and she will play an important role in ensuring a seamless transition as we continue our mission to move affordable, accessible healthcare forward,” said Kubiak.
Prior to her time at The Alliance, Kunferman served as CEO at Cumberland Memorial Hospital, where she oversaw the fiscal budget, 26 departments, and 285 employees. Other prior roles include CEO at Oakleaf Surgical Hospital and Executive Director for Valley Health Plan, an insurance plan in Eau Claire, Wis.
About The Alliance
The Alliance serves as the voice for self-funded employers who want more control over their healthcare costs. Using Smarter Networks and sophisticated data mining and analysis, they provide transparent, creative approaches to network and benefit plan design to unlock savings where others can’t – or won’t. The Alliance remains a trusted, objective partner for its 500+ employers and their brokers, who seek improved access to high-quality healthcare by contracting with a network of healthcare providers across the Midwest.
Contact:
Craig Sauer
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Phone: 608.210.6638
E-mail: csauer@the-alliance.org
