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Health insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) has named Pam Kehaly president and chief executive officer (CEO).
Kehaly fills the position after the July 2017 retirement of former president and CEO Richard Boals, after 45 years at the company. Sandy Gibson, BCBSAZ chief operating officer, has been serving as interim president since Boals' departure.
Kehaly has been serving as president of Anthem's West Region, which includes Anthem's affiliated Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans in eight states and the company's specialty business. During her 25 years at Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield's largest licensee, Kehaly has held various senior-level positions.
"Pam has the experience, vision and commitment to advance the mission of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona," said Rebecca Burnham, BCBSAZ board chair and a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig in Phoenix. "Pam can lead us into a future where we continue to improve the quality of life for Arizonans by successfully aligning the healthcare system around our members and patients."
Leonard D. Schaeffer, founding chairman and CEO of WellPoint (now Anthem), added: "Pam has the tools to be successful in this role,. She knows the industry and can influence all stakeholders to drive change in a positive way. She works tirelessly to establish trust and win-win partnerships with her teams, providers and members."
Kehaly commented: "I am deeply committed to continuing the legacy that BCBSAZ has established in the community and collaborating with all stakeholders to make Arizona one of the healthiest states in the nation."
On the current state of healthcare in the US, Kehaly stated that "it is critical that all parties work together to find a solution that benefits the people of Arizona and the nation as a whole. I want to make sure Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is involved in that dialog and that we're part of the solution. We stand ready to make that contribution."
Kehaly will officially assume the helm as BCBSAZ president and CEO in November.
Blue cross blue shield of arizona, BCBSAZ, WellPoint, CEO, Appointment, Retirement, Pam Kehaly, Sandy Gibson, Richard Boals, Leonard D. Schaeffer, US
