Wayne, Pennsylvania (September 9, 2016)

This year marks the 15th anniversary of 9/11. This event was devastating to the whole country and had personal impact for many of us at McBee. We lost Ian Gray, a principal for more than 20 years and a key member of the leadership team that helped shape the firm. Ian was a passenger aboard American Airlines Flight 77, the plane that hit the Pentagon during the tragic events of 9/11.

“Ian was a person who made you want to be the best you could be every day. He was passionate about McBee and the work we did,” said Marty Brutscher, Chief Executive Officer, who worked alongside Ian for more than nine years.

A big-hearted guy with a rough exterior. A great mentor. A demanding but always fair person. These are all ways McBee remembers Ian—the serious, funny, incredible guy with the best Scottish accent.

Ian joined the firm in the late 1970s and was part of the ownership group that bought out McBee’s founder in 1989. Ian had moved to the U.S. from Scotland in the late 1960s to work with Blue Cross of Illinois, which was the first Medicare Intermediary. He subsequently moved to Blue Cross of Maryland.

Ian was the heart and soul of the firm. His mentorship, advice, and encouragement was crucial to the success of many who worked with him.

“Ian was demanding but at the same time reasonable. He constantly challenged and encouraged you to be your best,” said Steve Kohler, Practice Director. “The conversations and life lessons are still with me today.”

Ian lived for Medicare regulations and the challenges they brought. He challenged everyone in the firm to achieve an expertise in Medicare that helped to develop the firm’s reputation for excellence. He did what it took to get the job done—he was a fan of pulling the all-nighter, reviewing work at night and mentoring staff during the day.

Ian engrained in McBee the importance of knowing and understanding the technicalities behind the recommendations and guidance we provide. He embedded a culture at McBee of delivering high quality work, building lasting and personal client relationships, always doing the right thing, and showing we care about people.

“It is a testament to the strength and determination of the people at McBee to suffer a loss like Ian and to continue to honor his memory by making McBee the best firm in health care,” said Marty. “It is his memory that helps drive me every day to achieve that goal.”

He added, “Ian is truly missed.”