Alignment, Access, and Growth: The Vision Guiding Unity Preferred Network

Business

February 25, 2026

By: William Jones

In a healthcare system often defined by complexity and competing priorities, Unity Preferred Network is focused on building something more connected and efficient. The organization’s mission is to create a national network that supports providers and patients alike—while addressing many of the operational challenges that have historically slowed healthcare delivery. As Founder and CEO Jarred Pierce explains, “Unity Preferred Network’s mission is to build one of the largest national networks spanning every medical specialty, while creating a system that works for both providers and patients as effectively as possible.” From the outset, the goal has been clear: expand access to high-quality, affordable care while preserving the independence and sustainability of the provider community.

Under Pierce’s leadership, the company has evolved beyond simple geographic expansion. Its strategy now centers on alignment—bringing providers and payers into closer coordination to reduce delays, administrative burdens, and financial inefficiencies that often disrupt care delivery. “Under my leadership, that mission has evolved into a strong emphasis on alignment—bringing unity to both the provider and payer sides of the healthcare system,” he says. “Ultimately, our goal is to reduce those obstacles so providers can focus on what matters most: delivering care.” Reflecting on the company’s origin, Pierce adds, “This is the third network I’ve built over the past 23 years, and I was determined to make this one the most refined and effective version yet. The goal was simple but essential: create a framework where every party is treated fairly and can aim for sustainable profitability.”

Pierce describes his leadership approach as a balance between long-term vision and hands-on involvement. “My leadership philosophy is rooted in balance—pairing long-term vision with hands-on involvement,” he explains. While focused on where the organization is headed, he remains actively engaged across departments to stay connected to daily operations and client needs. “Real leadership means never being above any task,” he says. “I would never ask my team to do something I haven’t done myself or wouldn’t be willing to do alongside them.” This philosophy has shaped a culture built on trust, accountability, and shared ownership, where meaningful contributions are recognized, and advancement is tied to impact rather than hierarchy.

In recent years, Unity has reached significant milestones that have strengthened its position in a rapidly evolving healthcare market. Investments in advanced technology, expansion of the leadership team, and the development of new service offerings have broadened the company’s capabilities and accelerated growth. “We’ve implemented new technology, expanded our leadership team, and broadened our product and service offerings,” Pierce says. “These advancements allow our clients to consolidate their needs through Unity, rather than managing relationships with multiple vendors.” Experienced industry leaders have played a central role in that acceleration. “We’ve brought in experts from across the provider, health, workers’ compensation, auto, billing, and broker sectors,” he notes. “Their insights allow us to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a product that evolves in real time with the industry.”

Internally, culture remains a defining strength. Trust and accountability are emphasized at every level, creating a sense of ownership across the organization. “Building a strong internal culture at Unity starts with leadership and accountability,” Pierce says. “Meaningful contributions are recognized, and growth is tied to impact—not hierarchy.” Talent development is supported through recognition, transparency, and opportunity, with regular performance evaluations aligning compensation and advancement with both individual achievement and collective success. “Talent development and retention begin with recognition, trust, and opportunity,” he explains. The continuity of the workforce—many of whom have longstanding professional relationships with Pierce—reflects a foundation of loyalty and shared vision, while ongoing recruitment brings new perspectives and specialized expertise to support continued expansion. Diversity across backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences further strengthens collaboration and innovation. “We’re committed to hiring the best person for the role, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or geographic location,” Pierce says. “For us, inclusion means recognizing talent in many forms—whether someone brings a fully developed skill set or strong potential that we can invest in and help grow.”

As the healthcare industry enters a period of significant transformation, consolidation, private equity investment, and rapid adoption of artificial intelligence are reshaping the competitive landscape. “Over the next five years, I expect continued consolidation across the industry, along with increased private equity investment,” Pierce notes. “At the same time, the adoption of artificial intelligence will accelerate at nearly every level.” While these developments offer meaningful efficiencies and innovation, they also introduce new risks—particularly the potential concentration of power among large carriers. “One of the biggest risks is the potential for AI and consolidation to further concentrate power among large insurance carriers,” he explains. Navigating that balance between innovation and provider independence will be critical in the years ahead. To remain competitive, Unity has invested heavily in technology and data infrastructure. “We are investing heavily in AI capabilities—an area we see as transformative for our business model,” Pierce says. “Advanced automation and data intelligence present major opportunities to enhance efficiency and improve client outcomes.”

Responsiveness to clients remains equally central to Unity’s strategy. “We measure the company’s health by closely evaluating each client’s success and tracking our growth through their evolving needs,” Pierce explains. “Our goal is to become the most trusted and relied-upon solution our clients use.” Continuous feedback, strong data systems, and proactive forecasting allow the organization to refine its services and anticipate market shifts before they occur.

A common assumption in healthcare is that large national insurance carriers provide the best access to care. Unity takes a different approach by focusing on thoughtful, member-driven network expansion rather than steering members outside the network. The organization continuously strengthens and grows its provider base based on real-world utilization trends, forecasting models, and direct member input. Members are encouraged to nominate or request providers, allowing Unity to customize network expansion according to evolving needs. As Pierce explains, “What matters most is a customizable network that continues to grow and actively forecasts members’ needs.” This strategy supports expanding access in a deliberate and strategic way—supporting affordability, quality care, and strong provider partnerships without unnecessary restrictions.

For Pierce, sustained focus comes from discipline and purpose. “I maintain focus through discipline and structure,” he says. “I set ambitious weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual goals and keep them highly visible so they guide my priorities and decision-making.” That discipline is grounded in something personal. “My motivation comes from my family and from wanting to set a strong example for both them and the people I lead.” Looking ahead, his ambitions remain bold. “Over the next three to five years, I see Unity Network Preferred becoming one of the largest PPO networks in the country,” he says. “Our goal is to be one of the most trusted and respected networks among the provider community.”

As healthcare continues to evolve, Unity Preferred Network is positioning itself around a central principle: when systems are aligned, outcomes can improve. By reducing friction, strengthening provider relationships, investing in innovation, and expanding access strategically, the organization is working to create a more coordinated and effective healthcare experience nationwide.