While pursuing an MBA from the Cameron School of Business, Aileen McCormick faced a dilemma common to students across the country today. A brief period of unemployment prompted McCormick to search for creative financial solutions to fund her education. With the help of Dr. Yhi-Min Ho, dean emeritus of the Cameron School, McCormick was able to find a part-time job and complete her degree in 1986.

It was that personal attention from Dean Ho, her professors and CSB’s quality education, which cemented her loyalty to the University. More than 20 years later, McCormick is Chief Executive Officer of the Southwest Region for AMERIGROUP, and she serves on the Cameron School of Business Advisory Board.

Prior to joining AMERIGROUP in 2002, McCormick gained extensive health care experience including management and new business development roles with Texas Medical Management, AmeriHealth and Prudential Health Care. She said her MBA from St. Thomas has served her well throughout her career.

“Early in my career, having an MBA from UST gave me the boost of confidence I needed to pursue bigger roles without hesitation,” McCormick said. “Working at a publicly traded company now, my MBA gives me greater credibility with the analysts on Wall Street.”

After graduation, McCormick remained active in the former UST MBA Alumni Association. When the Cameron School approached her to serve on its Advisory Board, she gladly accepted.

“I see serving on the Advisory Board as a great opportunity to make a return on the rewarding experience of obtaining an education at UST,” she said.

As health care reform captures the country’s attention more than ever, McCormick is no stranger to the issues. In January of 2008, she presented a testimony before Congress titled, “Helping Families with Needed Care: Medicaid’s Critical Role for Americans with Disabilities.” McCormick is passionate about providing long-term support service programs for the elderly and disabled, which enable them to live independent, healthy lives outside nursing homes.

“We are keeping a close eye on Washington to understand the different options,” she said. “In any scenario, we believe the role AMERIGROUP plays will continue to be significant.