#USA #Oakland #Blue Shield #Kevin Jacobsen #Clorox Company

Blue Shield of California Strengthens Leadership with New Appointment

In a significant move, Blue Shield of California has welcomed Kevin Jacobsen as a member of its board of directors. Jacobsen, who previously served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of The Clorox Company, brings over 30 years of invaluable expertise in finance and operations to the nonprofit health plan. His extensive background in leading global organizations positions him perfectly to contribute to the ongoing transformation of healthcare delivery at Blue Shield.

Jacobsen's tenure at Clorox spanned seven years, during which he led various critical financial operations, including reporting, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations. His leadership was instrumental in Clorox's multi-year transformation strategy, known as IGNITE, which focused on operational excellence and digital capabilities. "Kevin is a deeply respected financial leader, experienced in guiding organizations through significant operational and digital transformations," stated Pamela DeCoste, chair of the board at Blue Shield of California.

His expertise will be crucial as Blue Shield continues its mission to modernize the healthcare system in California. DeCoste emphasized Jacobsen's ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining a long-term vision, which she believes will be invaluable for the organization as it strives to create a healthcare system that is worthy of their family and friends while ensuring it remains affordable sustainably.

During his time at Clorox, Jacobsen was not only a key financial leader but also a co-architect of the company's enterprise-wide ERP system implementation. This initiative streamlined financial reporting across the organization and enhanced operational efficiency. Furthermore, he played a vital role in establishing a Global Business Services organization that improved productivity through advanced technology solutions.

In addition to his current role at Blue Shield, Jacobsen serves on the board of directors of Avista Corporation, where he participates in various committees, including Audit, Operations, and Technology. His seasoned experience in corporate governance includes serving as the chairperson of Clorox Captive Insurance Company from 2021 to 2025 and as a former member of the Economic Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

Reflecting on his new position, Jacobsen expressed, "The mission and values of Blue Shield resonate with me, particularly its commitment to transparency, affordability, and improving the healthcare system for all Californians. I am honored to join the Board of Blue Shield of California and look forward to leveraging my expertise to support the nonprofit health plan's mission of providing quality, affordable healthcare access to everyone sustainably."

Jacobsen holds an MBA from the University of Rochester and has completed the Executive Education Program at Wharton. He earned his undergraduate degree in finance from the University of California, Riverside.

About Blue Shield of California

Founded in 1939 and currently headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California is dedicated to creating a healthcare system focused on sustainability and quality. As a nonprofit entity, it operates independently as a member of the Blue Shield Association, serving 6 million members with over 6,500 employees and generating more than $27 billion in annual revenue. In the past three years, the organization has contributed over $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation, impacting various communities across the state. Blue Shield offers a range of healthcare services, including dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare plans.

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