AArete is proud to celebrate Emily Dawes as the winner of the 2024 Michael Fung Leadership Award. AArete also celebrated four additional finalists for the award: Amanda Cast, Director; Brian Poulter, Director; Chris Benner, Manager-Financial Planning & Controls; and Rameshwar Pawale, Manager-Projects.
This internal company award was created to preserve the memory and actions of Michael Fung, an incredible human being and impactful business leader. A former colleague, mentor, and longtime friend of AArete, Michael was also an AArete Advisory Board member. Michael demonstrated his integrity and passion throughout his life. He believed success is derived from showing a good work ethic while being transparent and accountable to clients, team members, and organizations. This annual award recognizes an exceptional leader at AArete who represents Michael’s dedication and leadership.
Emily’s nomination criteria read in part:
Emily is an exceptional Director who consistently embodies the leadership qualities we value at AArete. She lives them every day. Her dedication to excellence, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to clients and team members make her an incredible AAretian for everyone.
Emily joined AArete as a Consultant in February 2018 and is an experienced Director. She drives strategic initiatives for government-sponsored payers, positioning her clients for long-term success. She is a leader in AArete’s network solutions group and has led high-impact network projects resulting in significant savings, growth, and operational improvement for her clients. Outside of network, she has spearheaded data-driven cost savings initiatives across utilization management, payment integrity, and pharmacy. She also has extensive experience in Marketplace profitability and network strategy.
Before AArete, Emily supported managed care strategy and product performance analytics for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis.
Emily chose to support Upower with the $5,000 in-name contribution that accompanies the award. During an interview with Leighla Webb, Executive Director at Upower, Emily shared how she feels connected to the charitable organization’s mission to empower underaged school-aged children and their families through the healing power of play.
We are grateful for Emily and our four Michael Fung Leadership Award nominees for their contributions and leadership at AArete.
