Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
The president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), Richard Boals, will be retiring on July 1 after having spent 45 years at the company.
BCBSAZ’s current executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO), Sandy Gibson, will serve as interim president while the board conducts both an internal and national search for a full replacement.
Boal will continue to act as a consultant to the board after he retires.
"Rich is one of a handful of leaders whose impact can be felt throughout Arizona," said BCBSAZ board chair Alton Washington.
"Rich incorporated his commitment to service, care of others, professionalism and focus on community throughout the Blue fabric. We are indebted for the legacy he imbedded in the culture of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona."
Boals joined BCBSAZ in 1971 as a management trainee shortly after serving for four years in the US Air Force where he was a data analyst.
Boals was named vice president of finance in 1984, and two years later was promoted to executive vice president and COO.
He became president and COO in August 2001, and was elected to the board of director in 2002. He succeeded Bob Bulla as CEO in 2003.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Appointment, Richard Boals, US
