Who We Are
Transforming Healthcare Together
At US Beacon, we are more than experts in healthcare cost reduction, we are your trusted partner, committed to supporting your organization at every step. With decades of specialized experience in medical claim compliance review, we deliver meaningful, sustainable savings without ever compromising the care your members deserve.
We believe in transparency, integrity, and personalized attention. Every client is unique, and we tailor our proactive strategies to fit your exact needs, ensuring peace of mind and measurable results.
When you choose US Beacon, you gain a partner who genuinely cares about your organization’s well-being, and who remains dedicated to your long-term success.
With US Beacon, you gain a dedicated partner focused on making healthcare savings transparent, efficient, and personalized, always aligned with your organization’s goals
The US Beacon Team
Stephen Carleson
MBA
Steve is the Founder of US BEACON. Steve has over 35 years of experience in business and finance, managing and advising companies from startups to Fortune 500 companies and from banks to insurers. He retired from Merrill Lynch after 35 years as a Managing Director and Senior Vice President over institutional and capital markets. Steve is also an entrepreneur serving in various capacities, including principal, owner, founder, board member, and financial and strategic advisor. Over the last 12 years, his focus has been on the healthcare sector to help improve people’s lives nationwide. From 2002 until 2017, Steve served on the board for UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
Kimberly Carleson
CEO
Kimberly Carlson is the CEO of US Beacon, holding degrees in Public Health and Radiologic Technology. With 25 years of dedicated experience as a patient advocate, Kimberly has consistently championed patient rights and healthcare improvements. Since 2018, she has served on the Board of Apollo Health, where she has played a crucial role in guiding the organization’s strategic initiatives and expanding its impact in the healthcare sector. Her extensive background and unwavering commitment to patient advocacy makes her a pivotal leader in the industry.
Dr. Gary Collins
MD, FACC, FACP
Dr. Collins holds a BS in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MS in Management Engineering in the Health Sciences from the same institution. He earned his MD from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Following medical school, Dr. Collins completed a medical internship at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Hospital. Furthering his specialization, Dr. Collins undertook a Cardiology fellowship at Duke University, followed by an Interventional Cardiology fellowship also at Duke University. Dr. Collins is a distinguished Fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Rick Houk
MD
Dr. Houk is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Tulane University medical school, and Northwestern University Rheumatology program. He has served as a rheumatologist in the Air Force as department chairman, fellowship program director, commander of the joint military medical command for rheumatology, and consultant to the Surgeon General. He left teaching, research, and publications to move to Arkansas. He became the founding president of the Arkansas State Rheumatology Association in 2003 and has been honored to be listed on surveys as one of Arkansas Best Rheumatology Doctors from 2000 forward. Dr. Houk has special training in musculoskeletal ultrasound.
Dr. Dwight Davis
PharmD
Dwight Davis is a pharmacy executive with over 30 years of experience in managed care, specializing in customized pharmacy benefit solutions, program design, claims analytics, PBM RFP management, and contract negotiation. He led the Evidence-Based Prescription Drug Program (EBRx) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, managing operations, client relationships covering over 200,000 lives, and clinical strategy. At Gemini Health, he directed clinical services, chaired the MedTherapy Advisory Board, and contributed to patented savings tools. Previously at InformedRx/Catamaran, he advanced to Vice President of Clinical Operations, overseeing clinical product development and client engagement for employer groups and union trust funds. Dwight holds a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from UAMS College of Pharmacy.
Dr. Gregory Wood
MD
Dr. Gregory Wood, MD is an Obstetrician / Gynecologist (OBGYN), who primarily practices in Little Rock, AR. He has been practicing for over 22 years. Dr. Wood graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine and completed his residency at University Hospital Suny Health Science Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wesley Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas College of Medicine and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Dr Wood is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Arkansas National Guard.
Why We Exist
Turning a Personal Battle Into a Mission for Change
When my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer, our lives were turned upside down. We were suddenly navigating a complex world of treatments, hospital stays, and endless medical bills, while bracing for the unknown. I became his full-time advocate, managing every detail of his care and learning firsthand how overwhelming and opaque the healthcare system can be. We were fortunate to have the resources to get through it, but I’ve never forgotten how easily that burden could have broken us. That experience drives everything we do at US Beacon.
As CEO, I lead our mission to protect self-insured employers and their employees from unnecessary healthcare costs. Our work is grounded in integrity, full compliance with HIPAA (45 CFR Parts 160 and 164), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ERISA, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). More than that, it’s rooted in a deep sense of purpose: ensuring people get the care they need, without overpaying for it.