DENVER (April 21, 2015) – The Denver Business Journal has reported that the finalist for the position of CEO of Colorado’s Obamacare exchange, Robert Malone, has withdrawn his name for consideration for the position. The new CEO of the exchange will have to take the helm in a challenging environment – the exchange is facing audit, is still having healthcare cancellation struggles, and open enrollment will be starting almost immediately after a new leader takes over. In addition, Sharon O’Hara, chairwoman of the board expressed her doubts about the long-term financial viability of the organization.

When contacted to clarify her remarks expressing her doubts about the viability of the exchange week-before-last, O’Hara cited Malone’s skills as an executive as a primary reason for her optimism about the future of the exchange. Now with Malone’s withdrawal, new concerns have arisen about the direction of the exchange. O’Hara told the Denver Business Journal: “Board members and I are confident that we will be able to identify a strong executive to lead one of the country’s most successful state-based marketplaces.”

“If the chairwoman of the board of the Obamacare exchange here in Colorado thinks this is one of the most successful state-based marketplaces in the country with her top candidate for CEO withdrawing his name from consideration, it speaks volumes about Obamcare as a systemic failure,” said Kelly Maher, executive director of Compass Colorado. “Whomever they pick to fill that position will have an uphill battle in a difficult environment.”  

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