We are thrilled to announce that Amanda Cast and Matt Semetulskis have been recognized by Consulting Magazine as two of its esteemed 2025 Rising Stars of the Profession! This prestigious honor spotlights consultants aged 36 and under who are significantly impacting the industry and redefining excellence in consulting.

Amanda Cast: Excellence in Leadership

Amanda Cast has been honored for her outstanding leadership, particularly in healthcare management consulting. Her approach to leadership is defined by empathy, integrity, and accountability, driving teams to consistently deliver exceptional results. As a director leading emerging solutions engagements, Amanda thrives in complex, ambiguous environments, empowering her teams through strategic foresight and creativity.

Amanda’s commitment extends beyond her immediate responsibilities. She actively supports training and recruitment, fostering a culture of continuous growth and high performance. Her influential role on the AArete Council amplifies the voices of her peers, ensuring executive leadership remains attuned to team needs and aspirations. Twice nominated for AArete’s Michael Fung Leadership Award, Amanda’s leadership impact is widely recognized and deeply valued.

Her dedication also reaches into the community, where she guides AArete’s summer internship initiatives with local nonprofits, leveraging her expertise for meaningful, tangible change. Amanda’s passionate pursuit of excellence makes her a deserving recipient of the Rising Star in Excellence in Leadership.

Matt Semetulskis: Excellence in Client Service

Matt Semetulskis has earned recognition for his exceptional commitment to client service within healthcare consulting. His innovative solutions, strategic insight, and dedication to equity have created significant operational and financial impacts for healthcare payers.

Matt’s ability to proactively address challenges is evident in his development of predictive models that identify “rising risk” members, allowing for early interventions and improved outcomes. His initiatives have led to substantial cost savings—over $70 million for a single payer—demonstrating his commitment to aligning affordability with high-quality care.

Central to Matt’s contributions is his focus on health equity, creating tools that enable health plans to effectively address disparities and improve care delivery. His comprehensive operational strategies have enhanced risk adjustment processes and compliance standards for health plan clients, ensuring sustainable and impactful outcomes.

Matt began his AArete journey in 2015, progressing from analyst to managing director, reflecting his continuous growth and profound impact on the firm. Known for his mentorship and commitment to nurturing talent, Matt’s legacy extends through his significant role in recruitment and internship programs, cultivating the next generation of leaders.

Congratulations, Amanda and Matt, on this well-deserved recognition! Your exceptional contributions set a high bar and inspire all of us at AArete. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and look forward to your continued success.