Our Team
Our Story
Deerhold, Ltd. is at the forefront of healthcare software solutions, offering both proprietary products and custom software development. Our headquarters are located in Lexington, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Tampa, Florida; Tokyo, Japan; and Kathmandu, Nepal, reflecting our global reach and diverse expertise.
Our company's evolution began with D2Hawkeye, Inc., and subsequently Deerwalk, Inc., both of which were trailblazers in healthcare analytics. Today, Deerhold reunites many of the original visionaries from these companies, delivering innovative and diverse software solutions to our clients, as well as proprietary solutions that provide actionable insight from the Payer Machine Readable Files now available as part of the Transparency In Coverage Rule.
Our portfolio features TARA, a member shopping tool that is not only compliant with current healthcare regulations but also offers unmatched affordability and user-friendliness, and Contract Rate Explorer, which provides immediate and comprehensive access to contracted rates between providers and payers across the country.
Our Executive team, Chairman Rudra Pandey and CEO Jeff Gasser, bring together over 25 years of shared experience in the healthcare analytics industry and are renowned for their integrity, honesty, and openness. At Deerhold, we are dedicated to innovation, excellence, and transparency, ensuring that our clients and their stakeholders receive the highest quality solutions and support.
JEFF GASSER
Chief Executive Officer
JEFF GASSER
Chief Executive Officer
As the Chief Executive Officer, Jeff collaborates intimately with the executive team at Deerhold, steering the company's growth and innovation strategies. Before joining Deerhold, he was a pivotal figure at Deerwalk, first as President and then as CEO, until its acquisition by Cedar Gate Technologies. Jeff's background includes co-founding four other companies prior to Deerwalk including D2Hawkeye where he was a co-founder with Deerhold Executive Chairman Rudra Pandey. Jeff serves on several boards of directors of innovative companies in the healthcare technology field in both the payer and provider space. Jeff is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Tampa and he currently resides in Tampa with his wife Pamela.
MUNA JOSHI
Co-Founder and
Chief Administrative Officer
MUNA JOSHI
Co-Founder and
Chief Administrative Officer
With an extensive background in finance and accounting, Muna oversees finance, administration, and quality assurance at Deerhold. She was a founder and board member of Deerwalk, Inc. She began her career as a healthcare Financial Analyst at Highland IPA and Winchester Hospital, later serving as VP of Finance at American Open Enterprises, a Boston-based software consulting firm. After a successful career at American Open Enterprises, she spent several years at home taking care of her young daughters. During that time she received extensive private training on software business practices that prepared her for leadership positions in the software industry. Muna holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Business from Northeastern University.
PETE TITAS
SVP of
Sales & Marketing
PETE TITAS
SVP of
Sales & Marketing
Pete brings over 20 years of experience in the healthcare payer market to his role leading Deerhold's sales and marketing teams. He spent the last decade at Lyric and Change Healthcare as Vice President of Sales, delivering payment accuracy and analytics solutions to national and regional health plans and TPAs, spanning the commercial, self-funded, Medicare and Medicaid lines of business. Pete had an unconventional start to his career as a sales leader in the healthcare industry, beginning as a COBOL and Visual Basic programmer at Medical Mutual of Ohio prior to moving into more customer facing, consultative roles. Pete holds degrees in both Management Information Systems (MIS) and Marketing from Bowling Green State University.
ED HAUSMAN
Chief Product Officer
ED HAUSMAN
Chief Product Officer
Ed has spent his career at the intersection of healthcare and technology, providing product vision and strategy for healthcare startups. In his most recent role as vice president of product and business development at InformedDNA, he guided the development of tech solutions designed to help healthcare stakeholders utilize genomic insights to improve patient outcomes. He previously served as vice president of product at Deerwalk, Inc., where he built an industry-leading analytics engine. Deerwalk was acquired by Cedargate Technologies in December 2020. Ed earned his bachelor’s degree in anthropology and linguistics from the University of Chicago and has lived abroad in Nepal teaching English.
BINOD BHATTARAI
SVP of Data
and Engineering Services
BINOD BHATTARAI
SVP of Data
and Engineering Services
Binod is responsible for developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating Deerhold's technological resources across its subsidiaries. A technology leader and healthcare data expert with extensive experience in software development and data analytics, Binod has helped develop and grow the team while also serving Deerhold clients. Binod began his career working on projects for the World Bank, helping to develop computer curriculums for schools and government institutions in Nepal. He ran engineering and IT businesses for years and later moved to the United States for graduate school. Prior to joining Deerhold, Binod worked for Haven Healthcare, a joint venture healthcare by Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase, since its inception. He also worked at Versend Technology (now Cotiviti), Verisk Health, and D2Hawkeye. Binod completed his BS in engineering from IOE Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University in Nepal and Master of Science in Information System Management from Ferris State University, Michigan, US.
KEVIN KELEHER
SVP of Operations
KEVIN KELEHER
SVP of Operations
Kevin is responsible for leading Deerhold’s operations, and has over 20 years of experience delivering healthcare analytics solutions to customers. Before joining Deerhold, Kevin was a product and data consultant for New Era Medical Operations, assisting in the initial release of their claims analytics and risk modeling software. Previously, he was VP of Client Enablement at Cedar Gate Technologies, leading the development of client specific products and reporting for Cedar Gate’s key accounts, as well as developing both training and client support teams. Kevin also led the client operations team at Deerwalk through its growth for 10 years prior to its acquisition by Cedar Gate. He’s also held client operations positions at Activate Networks, Verisk Health, and D2Hawkeye. Kevin completed his BS in Business Administration from Babson College.
SCOTT MACEWEN
SVP of
Strategic Markets
SCOTT MACEWEN
SVP of
Strategic Markets
Scott brings over three decades of healthcare experience as an advisor in the areas of software sales, data analytics, underwriting, operational effectiveness, medical management, and wellness and vendor management. He has expertise in strategic analysis and planning processes, with extensive knowledge of how healthcare management companies and emerging technologies can produce measurable results and achieve higher quality at reduced costs. He recently served as SVP of Consulting at Deerwalk, working with clients to maximize their use of solutions and providing guidance around best practices. Prior to Deerwalk, Scott served as an independent consultant for seven years, with a focus on delivering meaningful data insights to manage health and optimize costs for a range of organizations, from hospital systems to TPAs and employers. Beginning his career with Travelers/United Healthcare in sales and national account underwriting, he later joined Kanawha Healthcare Solutions (a national TPA for self-funded plans which was acquired by Humana). While at KHS, Scott served as President and COO, during which time the company saw significant sales growth and expansion of markets as he led efforts in predictive modeling to close gaps in care. Scott received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Clarion University.
ABANISH KAYASTHA
VP of
Administration and Finance
ABANISH KAYASTHA
VP of
Administration and Finance
Abanish manages and supervises the financial functions of the organization, bringing extensive experience in financial management, HR, and office administration. Currently overseeing the day-to-day operations of the accounts and finance department, Abanish specializes in budget planning, cash flow management, payroll administration, employee benefits programs, HR operations, and office administration, ensuring efficiency and compliance across all functions. He was with Deerwalk, Inc. for over a decade, overseeing the company's financial functions across both onshore and offshore locations. Abanish holds an MBA in Management from the University of New Haven, CT, and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from REC, Assam.
SAMJHANA KHANAL
VP of Japan Operations
SAMJHANA KHANAL
VP of Japan Operations
Samjhana leads Deerhold Japan’s work spearheading strategy and business development efforts. She brings over 20 years of diverse experience from both public and private sectors globally in the areas of sustainable impact investing, business development, international development, and social entrepreneurship. Previously, Samjhana worked at the World Bank’s Corporate Strategy group where she was part of their flagship investment program for innovative enterprises. She also worked at Ashoka, leading the Global Fellowship Program to ensure sustainability of social entrepreneurship and managed expansion in Nepal, Pakistan, and Turkey. Samjhana has advised technology startups and SMEs in business development; and international foundations and women-led enterprises on gender-lens investing. She serves on several nonprofit boards in the U.S. and Japan. Samjhana received a BA from University of Vermont and Kansai Gaidai University, and a Master of International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University SAIS.
SACHIN KARANJIT
Director of
Nepal Operations
SACHIN KARANJIT
Director of
Nepal Operations
Sachin Karanjit is responsible for Deerhold’s Nepal operations. His experience and leadership have been focused on developing and delivering technology-driven business services and solutions, providing outstanding client service, and driving profitable revenue growth. He brings extensive knowledge of software development, finances, human resources management, and the nuances of doing business in Nepal. Prior to Deerhold, Sachin served as Managing Director at Deerwalk Compware, where he led company strategy and business development. He also served as Director of Services at Deerwalk, where he was responsible for overseeing the entire services department, developing new business, maximizing growth, and managing client accounts at Deerwalk’s engineering headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal. Sachin graduated with a bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and an MBA from Kathmandu University.
PRABHASH JHA
Director of Engineering
PRABHASH JHA
Director of Engineering
Prabhash has over 10 years’ experience in healthcare and information technology. His deep understanding of data and engineering design helps the Deerhold team deliver high-quality, scalable solutions. Prior to Deerhold, he was Senior Data Engineer at Decision Point Healthcare Solutions, where he led the design and implementation of internal tools to support data pipelines, along with hands-on ETL development for supporting data-driven decisions. Prabhash previously worked as Data Operations Analyst at Optum, where he implemented automated processes for data build and quality to support highly scalable production pipelines. His data analytics journey started at D2Hawkeye Services in 2009, where he worked for three years as a software engineer in data development and analytics. Prabhash holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus and a Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Alabama in Huntsville.
SAROJ NEUPANE
Director of Engineering
SAROJ NEUPANE
Director of Engineering
Saroj Neupane is the Director of Engineering at Deerhold Ltd. with 19 years of experience in software development, architecture, and engineering management. He leads the product team, manages engineering resources, and determines the technologies that drive innovation across company initiatives. Previously, Saroj was a Solution Architect and Senior Engineering Manager at Deerwalk Inc., where he designed solution architectures, guided implementation teams, and ensured scalability and performance in data-intensive applications. His work involved big data processing on Hadoop EMR clusters, offshore team leadership, code reviews, and solving complex distributed system issues. His leadership contributed to healthcare-focused analytics solutions for U.S.-based clients. Saroj has led projects using technologies like PHP, Java, Groovy/Grails, Hadoop, Elasticsearch, and modern web and mobile frameworks. His expertise spans big data engineering with tools such as Hadoop EMR, Cascading, and Spark/Scala, as well as RESTful and gRPC web services. He holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s in Computer Software Engineering.
MILAN LAMICHHANE
Director of Engineering
MILAN LAMICHHANE
Director of Engineering
Milan Lamichhane is a seasoned software engineer and technology leader with more than two decades of experience in software development and project management. Starting his career as a programmer in 2000, Milan gradually transitioned into leadership roles, combining deep technical expertise with strategic management. Currently serving as Director of Engineering, he has led high-performing teams, driven process improvements, and contributed to organizational growth across diverse sectors, including U.S. healthcare and financial risk management.
Milan has a proven track record of building and nurturing high-performing engineering teams. He has played a key role in scaling teams, mentoring talent, and shaping engineering practices that align with organizational goals. His hands-on approach and people-first mindset make him a trusted leader in driving both technical excellence and team cohesion.
In addition to his industry work, Milan is a visiting faculty member, sharing real-world insights with future engineers. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, an MBA, and an MPhil in Management from Kathmandu University.
Milan has a proven track record of building and nurturing high-performing engineering teams. He has played a key role in scaling teams, mentoring talent, and shaping engineering practices that align with organizational goals. His hands-on approach and people-first mindset make him a trusted leader in driving both technical excellence and team cohesion.
In addition to his industry work, Milan is a visiting faculty member, sharing real-world insights with future engineers. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, an MBA, and an MPhil in Management from Kathmandu University.
RUDRA PANDEY
Founder and Chairman of the
Board of Directors
RUDRA PANDEY
Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Rudra, a native of Nepal, works closely with the Deerhold teams in the US and Nepal. Through his hands-on direction of the operations and technology teams, Deerhold is able to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions and services. Prior to founding Deerhold, Rudra founded Deerwalk, Inc., serving as CEO for the company’s first five years and later as executive chairman until Deerwalk was acquired by Cedar Gate Technologies in 2020. He founded Deerwalk Institute of Technology in 2011, Nepal's premier Computer Science college, and serves as chair. Prior to Deerwalk, Rudra served as Chief Operating Officer at Verisk Health, where he directed operations and R&D, leading the offshore development center of 300+ engineers. Rudra was a founder and Chief Technology Officer of D2Hawkeye, which provided data analytics and decision-support tools to the healthcare industry and was acquired by Verisk Health. Early in his career, Rudra worked as a Business Systems Engineer and a Database Architect. He has extensive consulting experience, having worked for several prestigious financial institutions and healthcare organizations. Rudra holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from Mehran University in Pakistan and a Ph.D. in Economics from Northeastern University.
JEFF GASSER
Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors
JEFF GASSER
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
As the Chief Executive Officer, Jeff collaborates intimately with the executive team at Deerhold, steering the company's growth and innovation strategies. Before joining Deerhold, he was a pivotal figure at Deerwalk, first as President and then as CEO, until its acquisition by Cedar Gate Technologies. Jeff's background includes co-founding four other companies prior to Deerwalk including D2Hawkeye where he was a co-founder with Deerhold Executive Chairman Rudra Pandey. Jeff serves on several boards of directors of innovative companies in the healthcare technology field in both the payer and provider space. Jeff is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Tampa and he currently resides in Tampa with his wife Pamela.
DAVE HANSEN
Member of the
Board of Directors
DAVE HANSEN
Member of the Board of Directors
Dave has experience managing entrepreneurial enterprises and working in large, complex organizations. Most recently he served as President, CFO, and member of the board of Deerwalk until its acquisition by Cedar Gate Technologies. He was Executive Vice President of D2Hawkeye until its sale in 2009 to Verisk Health, a subsidiary of Verisk Analytics, Inc., a publicly traded company. Previously, Dave was Executive Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors of Mariner Health Group Inc., a publicly held company. He assisted in the sale of the company to another publicly traded company for $1.2 billion. Prior to joining Mariner Health Group, Dave was partner in the Boston office of Coopers & Lybrand, LLP (now PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP). Dave graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University.
MUNA JOSHI
Member of the
Board of Directors
MUNA JOSHI
Member of the Board of Directors
With an extensive background in finance and accounting, Muna oversees finance, administration, and quality assurance at Deerhold. She was a founder and board member of Deerwalk, Inc. She began her career as a healthcare Financial Analyst at Highland IPA and Winchester Hospital, later serving as VP of Finance at American Open Enterprises, a Boston-based software consulting firm. After a successful career at American Open Enterprises, she spent several years at home taking care of her young daughters. During that time she received extensive private training on software business practices that prepared her for leadership positions in the software industry. Muna holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Business from Northeastern University.
