Chief Executive Officer Jobs in Virginia
Chief Executive Officer jobs in Virginia are highly competitive, concentrated in defense contracting, government services, technology, and healthcare, with openings at every level from early-career executive roles through seasoned C-suite positions. The strongest hiring activity is in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, where established organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and Inova Health System maintain lasting leadership pipelines. The most in-demand specialties center on enterprise strategy, federal contracting operations, and healthcare administration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.
Position Summary
Aetna Better Health is Aetna’s Medicaid managed care plan. Backed by over 30 years of experience managing the care of those with a broad array of health care needs, our Medicaid plans have demonstrated that getting the right help when you need it is essential to better health. That’s why Aetna® Medicaid plans include the guidance and support needed to connect our members with the right coverage, resources, and care. We are focused on enhancing quality and population health outcomes while integrating CVS assets to bring accessible healthcare to our members.
Aetna Better Health of Maryland is seeking an experience leader with vast operational knowledge of Medicaid for its state-wide managed Medicaid business in the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO). The COO role will be strategic and committed to developing colleagues as well as relentlessly pursuing change that is best for the organization and its customers. The COO role will collaborate with the CEO to develop the strategic vision of the Health Plan, policies & procedures, and operational objectives including leading RFP readiness efforts. The COO will oversee high level strategic and operational activities of various plan functional areas which include traditional service operations (Claims, Provider Services, Information Technology, Grievance & Appeals and Member Services) as well as Medical Management (Quality, Network, Compliance, Health Equity, Medical Directors, Utilization Management, Vendor Management). These activities may include colleague productivity, building and maintaining a highly inclusive and diverse culture as well as ensuring team members thrive and organizational outcomes are met.
Major Responsibilities
- Partner with the Plan CEO to drive successful growth, operational excellence, and overall business performance.
- Oversee financial management of the health plan, including budget accountability, revenue target achievement, and P&L performance.
- Collaborate with corporate functional leaders and centralized shared services teams to drive operational effectiveness and business results.
- Provide leadership and oversight across core operational areas, including: Claims systems and processing, Third-Party Liability (TPL) and Coordination of Benefits (COB), Pharmacy claims operations and their impact on total cost of care, Call center operations and performance and Encounter data management and processing.
- Lead and support provider operations activities, including: Provider data management, Credentialing, Provider relations, Network development and contracting, and Value-based care contracting and performance initiatives.
- Drive strategies that enhance provider experience while managing medical costs and improving operational outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable state contracts, regulations, executive orders, and healthcare industry requirements.
- Partner with Government Affairs and Legal teams to address regulatory, legislative, and compliance-related matters.
- Serve as a key advocate with internal stakeholders, state regulators, policymakers, and other external partners.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based advocacy organizations and industry stakeholders.
- Oversee communications and engagement strategies for members and providers.
- Support and promote community-based programs that address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including housing, employment, Community Health Workers (CHWs), Peer support specialists and nutrition and food access initiatives.
- Apply expertise in the integration of physical and behavioral healthcare, with a strong understanding of the unique needs of the Medicaid population.
- Represent the organization externally with regulatory agencies, state departments, community partners, and other key stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted executive leader and extension of the CEO, providing strategic leadership both internally and externally.
The COO will oversee business operations performance and employee productivity, building and maintaining our highly inclusive and diverse culture, ensuring team members thrive, and organizational outcomes are met. Lead people, build/maintain relationships while driving talent and culture development.
Required Qualifications
The candidate will have a strong work ethic, be a self-starter, and be able to be highly productive in a dynamic, collaborative environment. This position offers broad exposure to all aspects of the company’s business, as well as significant interaction with all the business leaders. The candidate will be expected to have the following key attributes:
- 10+ years of work experience reflecting a proven track record of government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, or Dual Eligible plans.
- 5+ years of experience in executive leadership roles with proven track record of proficiency in the operational competencies noted.
- Demonstrated success with C-suite stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively across many teams, prioritize demands from those teams, synthesize information received, and generate meaningful conclusions.
- Ability to conceive innovative ideas or solutions to meet clients’ requirements.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills and being able to express thoughts in an organized and articulate manner.
- Ability to build a climate of trust and respect with regulators, external stakeholders, as well as colleagues, peers, and our internal growth partners.
- Proven leadership and negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership with meaningful initiatives such as business process optimization, enterprise business project management/consulting, financial strategic planning and analysis, mergers and acquisitions, risk management.
- Track record of success driving major initiatives across complex and matrixed organizations
- Manage capital portfolio to support growth and provider/member incentives.
- Recent and related managed health care experience.
Specific State Qualifications/Requirements
- Candidates must reside near the Maryland metropolitan area (Maryland, Washington DC, or N. Virginia) with the ability to work two days a week in the Columbia, MD office.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of the Maryland HealthChoice Program and the functional responsibilities of a Maryland HealthChoice Managed Care Organization (MCO).
- Knowledge of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
Pay Range
The typical pay range for this role is:
$131,500.00 - $303,195.00
This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above. This position also includes an award target in the company’s equity award program.
Our people fuel our future. Our teams reflect the customers, patients, members and communities we serve and we are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels valued and that they belong.
Great benefits for great people
We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.
This full‑time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well‑being of colleagues and their families. The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.
Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.
We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: 10/14/2026
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.
We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.
Position Summary
Aetna Better Health is Aetna’s Medicaid managed care plan. Backed by over 30 years of experience managing the care of those with a broad array of health care needs, our Medicaid plans have demonstrated that getting the right help when you need it is essential to better health. That’s why Aetna® Medicaid plans include the guidance and support needed to connect our members with the right coverage, resources, and care. We are focused on enhancing quality and population health outcomes while integrating CVS assets to bring accessible healthcare to our members.
Aetna Better Health of Maryland is seeking an experience leader with vast operational knowledge of Medicaid for its state-wide managed Medicaid business in the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO). The COO role will be strategic and committed to developing colleagues as well as relentlessly pursuing change that is best for the organization and its customers. The COO role will collaborate with the CEO to develop the strategic vision of the Health Plan, policies & procedures, and operational objectives including leading RFP readiness efforts. The COO will oversee high level strategic and operational activities of various plan functional areas which include traditional service operations (Claims, Provider Services, Information Technology, Grievance & Appeals and Member Services) as well as Medical Management (Quality, Network, Compliance, Health Equity, Medical Directors, Utilization Management, Vendor Management). These activities may include colleague productivity, building and maintaining a highly inclusive and diverse culture as well as ensuring team members thrive and organizational outcomes are met.
Major Responsibilities
- Partner with the Plan CEO to drive successful growth, operational excellence, and overall business performance.
- Oversee financial management of the health plan, including budget accountability, revenue target achievement, and P&L performance.
- Collaborate with corporate functional leaders and centralized shared services teams to drive operational effectiveness and business results.
- Provide leadership and oversight across core operational areas, including: Claims systems and processing, Third-Party Liability (TPL) and Coordination of Benefits (COB), Pharmacy claims operations and their impact on total cost of care, Call center operations and performance and Encounter data management and processing.
- Lead and support provider operations activities, including: Provider data management, Credentialing, Provider relations, Network development and contracting, and Value-based care contracting and performance initiatives.
- Drive strategies that enhance provider experience while managing medical costs and improving operational outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable state contracts, regulations, executive orders, and healthcare industry requirements.
- Partner with Government Affairs and Legal teams to address regulatory, legislative, and compliance-related matters.
- Serve as a key advocate with internal stakeholders, state regulators, policymakers, and other external partners.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based advocacy organizations and industry stakeholders.
- Oversee communications and engagement strategies for members and providers.
- Support and promote community-based programs that address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including housing, employment, Community Health Workers (CHWs), Peer support specialists and nutrition and food access initiatives.
- Apply expertise in the integration of physical and behavioral healthcare, with a strong understanding of the unique needs of the Medicaid population.
- Represent the organization externally with regulatory agencies, state departments, community partners, and other key stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted executive leader and extension of the CEO, providing strategic leadership both internally and externally.
The COO will oversee business operations performance and employee productivity, building and maintaining our highly inclusive and diverse culture, ensuring team members thrive, and organizational outcomes are met. Lead people, build/maintain relationships while driving talent and culture development.
Required Qualifications
The candidate will have a strong work ethic, be a self-starter, and be able to be highly productive in a dynamic, collaborative environment. This position offers broad exposure to all aspects of the company’s business, as well as significant interaction with all the business leaders. The candidate will be expected to have the following key attributes:
- 10+ years of work experience reflecting a proven track record of government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, or Dual Eligible plans.
- 5+ years of experience in executive leadership roles with proven track record of proficiency in the operational competencies noted.
- Demonstrated success with C-suite stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively across many teams, prioritize demands from those teams, synthesize information received, and generate meaningful conclusions.
- Ability to conceive innovative ideas or solutions to meet clients’ requirements.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills and being able to express thoughts in an organized and articulate manner.
- Ability to build a climate of trust and respect with regulators, external stakeholders, as well as colleagues, peers, and our internal growth partners.
- Proven leadership and negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership with meaningful initiatives such as business process optimization, enterprise business project management/consulting, financial strategic planning and analysis, mergers and acquisitions, risk management.
- Track record of success driving major initiatives across complex and matrixed organizations
- Manage capital portfolio to support growth and provider/member incentives.
- Recent and related managed health care experience.
Specific State Qualifications/Requirements
- Candidates must reside near the Maryland metropolitan area (Maryland, Washington DC, or N. Virginia) with the ability to work two days a week in the Columbia, MD office.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of the Maryland HealthChoice Program and the functional responsibilities of a Maryland HealthChoice Managed Care Organization (MCO).
- Knowledge of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
Pay Range
The typical pay range for this role is:
$131,500.00 - $303,195.00
This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above. This position also includes an award target in the company’s equity award program.
Our people fuel our future. Our teams reflect the customers, patients, members and communities we serve and we are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels valued and that they belong.
Great benefits for great people
We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.
This full‑time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well‑being of colleagues and their families. The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.
Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.
We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: 10/14/2026
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.
See All 10 Chief Executive Officer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chief Executive Officer JobsChief Executive Officer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chief Executive Officer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chief executive officer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, public policy, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated senior leadership experience overseeing multi-department or enterprise-wide operations
- Proven experience managing P&L responsibility and reporting to a board of directors
- Background in Virginia's dominant sectors including defense contracting, healthcare, or technology services
- Strong record in stakeholder engagement with government clients, investors, or regulatory bodies
- Experience leading organizational change, growth initiatives, or mergers within Virginia-based entities
Chief Executive Officer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chief executive officer in Virginia?
Reaching a chief executive officer role in Virginia typically requires a graduate degree in business administration, public administration, or a related discipline, combined with progressive senior leadership experience. Virginia imposes no state-issued license specific to the chief executive officer title, but executives in regulated industries such as healthcare or financial services must satisfy the credentialing requirements of their sector. Most Virginia employers expect candidates to demonstrate a clear record of leading large teams and driving measurable organizational results.
How much do chief executive officers make in Virginia?
Chief executive officers in Virginia earn a median of about $310,740 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $130,000 for the lowest 10% to over $604,090 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chief executive officers in Virginia?
Employers hiring chief executive officers in Virginia right now include Compass Surgical Partners, CVS Health, and Encompass Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Virginia's dense concentration of federal contractors, health systems, and technology firms means executive openings arise across a broad range of organization sizes and missions.
Which Virginia cities have the most chief executive officer jobs?
McLean, Richmond, and Virginia account for the highest concentration of chief executive officer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's proximity to federal agencies drives demand among defense and technology contractors, Richmond's role as the state capital and a growing financial center attracts executive talent for corporate headquarters and government-adjacent organizations, and Virginia Beach anchors opportunities tied to the region's military installations and healthcare networks.
Are there remote chief executive officer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. About 50% of chief executive officer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the reality that most executive roles require consistent on-site presence for board interaction, staff leadership, and client relationships. The portions of the role most amenable to remote work tend to involve strategic planning, investor communications, and policy development rather than day-to-day operational oversight.
How can I get hired as a chief executive officer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is building toward the chief executive officer title by first securing a vice president or executive director role within a Virginia organization, then demonstrating measurable enterprise impact before pursuing the top seat. Large Northern Virginia defense contractors such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos run formal leadership development programs that advance high-potential managers into senior roles. A graduate degree from a Virginia institution, combined with experience managing P&L responsibility in a federal contracting or healthcare environment, significantly strengthens a candidate's profile.
Where can I find and apply to chief executive officer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to chief executive officer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and industry background, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 10 Chief Executive Officer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chief Executive Officer Jobs