Kaiser Permanente to create 800 jobs in metro Atlanta

ATLANTA, January 21, 2016—Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that Kaiser Permanente, an integrated provider of health care and coverage, will create 800 jobs in metro Atlanta. Of the newly created positions, more than 600 will be located at a new facility in Gwinnett County, representing a $51 million capital investment into the local community.

'The health care industry is an economic driver in Georgia,' said Deal. 'Kaiser Permanente's devotion to bettering the lives of citizens through innovative health care services makes the company a good fit for Georgia. The state looks forward to continuing this partnership with Kaiser Permanente as it further expands and produces a positive impact on Georgia's economy.'

Kaiser Permanente will retrofit an existing building to serve as a Member Service Contact Center, bringing the company's total presence in Georgia to some 5,000 personnel. Situated on an 18-acre site in Duluth, the 185,000-square-foot office complex will have the capacity to hold up to 1,000 contact center workers. The facility will also be designed to meet requirements for LEED certification.

The contact center, which will support Kaiser Permanente members across the country, is slated to open this fall. Employees will be tasked with handling calls related to insurance coverage and billing. In addition to recruiting new employees, Kaiser Permanente is relocating its Georgia-based member service representatives, appointment schedulers and advice nurses to the new facility.

'Kaiser Permanente has been caring for metro Atlanta residents for 30 years, and we are excited to be able to help this region's economy thrive as well,' said Julie Miller-Phipps, president of Kaiser Permanente of Georgia. 'By expanding our footprint in metro Atlanta, we are showing just how committed we are to bringing our unique model of care to this region.'

Last year, the health care organization announced plans to open a new IT facility in Midtown this spring, which is expected to create 900 jobs by 2019. Kaiser Permanente provides care and coverage to more than 10 million members across the country, including nearly 300,000 in Georgia. Existing contact centers are based in California, Colorado, Hawaii and Maryland.

'Kaiser Permanente's decision to invest in Gwinnett speaks to the strength of our community and the economic vitality of this area,' said Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chair Charlotte Nash. 'With access to a skilled workforce and significant infrastructure, companies like Kaiser are able to successfully grow and expand their business with confidence.'

'Kaiser Permanente's expansion in metro Atlanta further strengthens Georgia's reputation as the nation's health IT capital,' said Metro Atlanta Chamber President & CEO Hala Moddelmog. 'This investment in the region is a great example of Kaiser's commitment to being a leader in customer service and patient care.'

Lindsay Martin, director of existing industry and regional recruitment at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), assisted Kaiser Permanente on behalf of Georgia in conjunction with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Partnership Gwinnett, Georgia Power and Jones Lang La Salle.

'It is no surprise that Kaiser Permanente is choosing to open their new Member Service Contact Center here,' said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. 'Our abundant pool of talent and No. 1 business climate create an ideal location for a fast-growing company to increase quality service and remain competitive.'

About Kaiser Permanente

Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities it serves. The company is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information about employment opportunities with Kaiser Permanente, visit the careers page at kp.org.