Lois Quam Takes Helm as First Female CEO of Blue Shield of California, Paving New Paths in Healthcare

Lois Quam Steps Up as CEO of Blue Shield of California

In a significant leadership change, Blue Shield of California has appointed Lois Quam as its new CEO, marking the first time a woman has held this position in the 86-year history of the organization. This landmark announcement comes as the nonprofit health plan seeks to enhance its services and affordability for nearly six million members throughout California.

Kristina (Kris) Leslie, chair of the Blue Shield of California Board of Directors, emphasized the urgency of transforming the healthcare system, stating, "The healthcare crisis threatens the livelihoods of every Californian and all Americans. We are not waiting for the system to fix itself; we are taking action."

Lois Quam, who previously served as president of Blue Shield beginning in 2024, is recognized for her lifelong commitment to improving healthcare accessibility. Her extensive background includes leadership roles both nationally and globally, in efforts related to health initiatives that prioritize women and girls. "I am focused on the challenges facing our members in every corner of our state who gather at their kitchen tables and wrestle with their health care decisions and whether they can afford them," Quam said in her introduction to the team.

Her leadership is poised to tackle the pressing issues affecting Californians. Quam’s earlier work with the U.S. State Department under Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton included leading President Obama's Global Health Initiative across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Her experience also encompasses significant contributions in expanding healthcare access in Minnesota.

Joining Quam in this leadership transformation is Susan Mullaney, now serving as the Chief Operating Officer. Mullaney brings robust experience from her tenure at Kaiser Permanente and various nonprofit health systems. Quam stated, "Susan's extensive understanding of the healthcare delivery system and her commitment to our nonprofit mission are the right combination to meet the challenge of the rising costs of health care."

Moreover, Blue Shield has recently restructured into a new corporate entity called Ascendiun, which aims to streamline operations and foster better health outcomes for its members. This new structure also includes the subsidiaries Blue Shield Promise Health Plan, Altais, and Stellarus. Paul Markovich, who served as CEO for the past 12 years, has been appointed president of Ascendiun and will guide the organization during this transitional phase.

At its core, Blue Shield continues to prioritize the health and wellbeing of Californians, seeking innovative solutions to healthcare delivery challenges. Initiatives such as 'Pharmacy Care Reimagined' have been introduced to enhance affordability and accessibility of medications.

"Our goal in this restructuring is to better serve our members with less bureaucracy and faster results, while making health care more affordable," Leslie added, signaling a robust push towards reform in the healthcare sector.

This leadership shift at Blue Shield of California does not just recognize the capabilities of women in executive roles but also symbolizes a step forward in addressing California’s healthcare crises head-on. With Lois Quam at the helm, the organization aims to be a beacon of hope for those wrestling with healthcare challenges throughout the state.

As Blue Shield embarks on this new chapter, Californians can expect a more streamlined and responsive approach to their unique healthcare needs, enhancing the overall quality and sustainability of the healthcare system in the Golden State.