Ellen Sexton Takes the Helm as Chief Growth Officer for Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California Welcomes Ellen Sexton as Chief Growth Officer

Blue Shield of California has announced the appointment of Ellen Sexton as its new Chief Growth Officer. An accomplished leader in organizational growth and transformation, Sexton brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal role within the nonprofit health plan.

In her new position, Sexton will be responsible for overseeing the growth and overall performance across all lines of business, which include employer-sponsored plans, individual and family plans, as well as Medicare and Medi-Cal. The strategic objective is to increase access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for a larger segment of the population. Notably, Blue Shield of California stands out as the only health plan serving all 58 counties in California, a critical aspect of their mission to make healthcare universally accessible.

Lois Quam, the president of Blue Shield of California, expressed confidence in Sexton’s capabilities, stating, "Ellen brings extensive experience and a track record of success, which will significantly contribute to our vision of a more equitable and affordable healthcare system. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to tackling systemic challenges make her a perfect fit for our organization and our members."

Prior to this appointment, Sexton served as the chief operating officer at Curative, where she played an essential role in launching an innovative employer-based health insurance plan. Furthermore, she held key positions at Humana, directing growth for a vast community of 15 million members covering medical, dental, vision, and life insurance services. Her prior role as CEO of UnitedHealthcare Wisconsin Medicaid Health Plan was marked by recognition for clinical innovation, consolidating her expertise within the health sector.

Sexton holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2020, she was named to the Wisconsin Governor's Health Equity Council and is currently the president of the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation’s board of directors.

The arrival of Ellen Sexton at Blue Shield of California reaffirms the health plan's commitment to enhancing healthcare quality and affordability, addressing noteworthy healthcare challenges within the state. As Blue Shield strives to provide sustainable healthcare solutions, Sexton’s extensive background and leadership skills are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping its future initiatives.

Founded in 1939, Blue Shield of California has grown into a significant nonprofit health plan with more than 4.8 million members and over 7,100 employees, boasting an annual revenue exceeding $25 billion. The organization has dedicated over $77 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation in the past three years, focusing on making impactful contributions to communities throughout California.

As Sexton steps into her new role, the entire organization looks forward to her leadership, aiming to promote a healthcare system deserving of its members—transforming challenges into pathways for growth and improvement across California’s healthcare landscape.