#USA #healthcare #Oakland #Blue Shield #Ellen Sexton

Ellen Sexton Takes the Helm at Blue Shield of California

In a significant move aimed at bolstering its leadership, Blue Shield of California has appointed Ellen Sexton as Chief Growth Officer. This role is pivotal for the nonprofit health plan, with Sexton expected to oversee growth initiatives across various lines of business, including employer-sponsored, individual and family plans, as well as Medicare and Medi-Cal offerings. With the objective of providing more individuals with affordable quality care, Sexton’s leadership is anticipated to address persistent systemic challenges in healthcare delivery.

Ellen Sexton joins Blue Shield with a wealth of experience in organizational growth and transformation, marking a crucial step forward for the company. Lois Quam, the president of Blue Shield of California, stated, "Ellen brings extensive expertise and a proven track record to help Blue Shield fulfill our vision of a more equitable, affordable, and higher-quality healthcare system." Her collaborative approach and passion for tackling systemic issues make her an exceptional fit for the organization, the members it serves, and the communities within California.

Before joining Blue Shield, Sexton served as the Chief Operating Officer at Curative, where she played a crucial role in launching a unique employer-funded health insurance plan. Her prior experience at Humana involved leading the growth platform for 15 million members, covering medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. Additionally, while at UnitedHealthcare as CEO of the Wisconsin Medicaid Health Plan, she garnered recognition for clinical innovations and successfully transitioned several Medicare programs.

Sexton's credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2020, she was appointed to the Governor's Health Equity Council in Wisconsin and currently serves as the board chair for the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation.

Blue Shield of California, dedicated to creating a healthcare system worthy of families and friends that remains sustainably affordable, operates as an independent, nonprofit organization with over 4.8 million members and more than 7,100 employees. Founded in San Francisco in 1939 and currently based in Oakland, the organization provides various health services across California. In recent years, Blue Shield has contributed over $77 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation to positively influence California communities.

As Sexton steps into her new role, her extensive background and commitment to improving healthcare access and quality will likely play a key role in shaping the future of Blue Shield of California as it navigates the complexities of the healthcare landscape. For more updates, visit news.blueshieldca.com or follow Blue Shield on LinkedIn or Facebook.