ValueOptions® Brings on Retired Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff as Senior Advisor
Norfolk, Va - October 17, 2007
ValueOptions, Inc., the nation's largest independent behavioral health care company, announced today that retired Navy Admiral and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr. has joined the company as a Senior Advisor.
In that capacity, Giambastiani will counsel ValueOptions on matters of strategic development of its federal government operations.
"Adm. Giambastiani has had a long and distinguished military career, and we are honored to have him join us. His service to our country has left him with a strong desire to ensure that the nation's military families receive first-rate behavioral health care services," said Barbara B. Hill, CEO of ValueOptions. "For nearly 20 years, ValueOptions has provided high quality, accessible and cost-effective mental health and substance abuse services under the Department of Defense TRICARE benefits program. We look forward to learning from Adm. Giambastiani's insight and guidance as we further develop and expand our federal business."
"ValueOptions has provided excellent service to the armed forces of the United States for many years. The company's leaders understand the behavioral health care needs of the military and of their families. I look forward to working with such a fine organization that keeps the well-being of our service members and their families as a top priority," Giambastiani said.
Giambastiani served from 2005 to 2007 as the seventh Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity, he was a member of the Joint Chiefs and the nation's second highest-ranking military officer. From 2002 to 2005, he served as NATO's first Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and as Commander of the United States Joint Forces Command, where he led the transformation of NATO and U.S. military forces, capabilities and doctrines and the introduction of new technologies.
Giambastiani, a nuclear submarine officer, also has held numerous command, operational, shore and staff assignments.
A native of Canastota, N.Y., Giambastiani graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with leadership distinction in 1970. During his 37-year military career, he has been awarded numerous U.S. and foreign decorations including three Defense Distinguished Service Medals and six Navy Distinguished Service Medals. In addition he has been awarded two honorary doctorate of engineering degrees. However, Giambastiani is most proud of his 19 unit awards and commendations as they recognize the participation and accomplishments of the entire team.
