HAAM Announces New CEO: Paul E. Scott
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) is thrilled to announce our new CEO, Paul E. Scott. When outgoing HAAM CEO Reenie Collins announced she would retire at the end of 2021, a national search was launched to find Reenie’s successor and HAAM’s new top executive. Out of a deep and talented pool of applicants, Paul stood out as an incredible fit for HAAM’s next leader.
“We are excited to welcome Paul to HAAM,” said Heather Ladage, chairman of the board for HAAM. “We believe Paul’s record of success in non-profit organizations with a focus on healthcare make him ideally suited to help HAAM grow and thrive. Paul has deep experience with visionary leadership of large and complex organizations.”
Paul joins the organization from Vivent Health (previously AIDS Services of Austin), where he served since 2010, most recently as national VP of Engagement and earlier as CEO and President of AIDS Services of Austin.
Since 2005 HAAM has provided a lifeline to Austin musicians, helping nearly 6,000 members access more than $98 million in healthcare services, ranging from primary and specialty care, dental, vision, hearing, mental health and other services. Paul is a leader who will allow HAAM to build off of our 16 years of innovation and success in order to better serve our musicians and Central Texas.
Prior to joining AIDS Services of Austin in 2006, Paul served as executive director of Equality Texas in Austin, Resource Center Dallas, and what is now CEMPA in Chattanooga, TN. Earlier, he engaged in the practice of trial law, where he focused on insurance defense, workers compensation, and contracts.
Paul has lived in Austin for more than 15 years with his husband Scott Simons who is a large-format abstract artist. During his time in Central Texas Paul has established deep roots with both the local healthcare and the local nonprofit community, forging many valuable relationships.
“I am honored to be selected as the next CEO of HAAM,” Paul said. “My life’s work has centered around community, and I couldn’t be happier to join an organization that has such a stellar reputation in Austin. I look forward to being a part of HAAM’s growth and continued success in our community.”
A native of Jackson MS, Paul has had a lifelong love of music and has been a member of the Austin Men’s Chorus in addition to being an avid piano player. He holds a juris doctor degree from the University of Georgia and an undergraduate degree from Emory University. Paul is expected to join HAAM in November 2021..