Ms. Wall will oversee the company's communications efforts whereas Mr. McDonald will be responsible for identifying new ventures, capabilities and technologies for the company

AMERIGROUP Corporation has declared the hiring of two top executives to lead the company in key management positions.

Timothy McDonald joins AMERIGROUP as senior vice president of strategic market initiatives, while Tara Wall has been named senior vice president of corporate communications.

James Carlson, chairman and chief executive officer of AMERIGROUP, said: Tim McDonald and Tara Wall are two outstanding executives who have distinguished themselves as dedicated professionals and forward-thinkers. At this unprecedented time in our industry, with the nation so keenly focused on solutions for health reform, we believe that Tim and Tara are uniquely qualified to solidify our role as a pioneer in caring for those who need a little help. Tara will help us to spread the news of the great work we perform, while Tim will see to it that our business model and vision stay stronger than ever.

Mr. McDonald will report directly to Mr. Carlson and will be responsible for identifying new ventures, capabilities and technologies for the company. Prior to joining AMERIGROUP, he was an independent consultant, providing marketing, business development and strategic planning consulting services to national healthcare companies, including AMERIGROUP, as well as investing in healthcare services and health IT firms.

His previous experience in the healthcare industry includes senior corporate marketing and business development roles at UnitedHealth Group, where he helped launch what are now the company’s Ovations and Uniprise operating divisions. Earlier in his career, he was the senior marketing executive at Value Health, a provider of specialty managed care programs including a pharmacy benefit manager which was sold to Express Scripts.

In her role as senior vice president of corporate communications, Ms. Wall will report to executive vice president, external relations John Littel and oversee the company’s communications efforts, including strategy and implementation, both from a corporate role and in the 11 states where AMERIGROUP operates.

Prior to joining AMERIGROUP, she served as deputy editorial page editor and columnist, news anchor and analyst for The Washington Times. Ms. Wall also has served as senior adviser and director of Outreach Communications for the Republican National Committee, overseeing strategic messaging operations.