Corey Thomas Assumes Role of Board Chair at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Leadership Changes at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

On February 5, 2025, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts announced significant changes in its board of directors, appointing Corey Thomas as the new chair and welcoming Peter Long as a board member. This strategic move aims to reinforce the company’s commitment to navigating the evolving healthcare landscape and improving member services.

Corey Thomas is the chairman and CEO of Rapid7, a cybersecurity firm. His experience in guiding complex organizations through periods of transformation is expected to bring fresh insights and leadership to Blue Cross. Joining the board in 2017, Thomas expressed excitement about taking on this enhanced role, stating, "It's been a privilege to work with such a strong management team at Blue Cross over the past seven years. I’m humbled and excited about this new role and look forward to partnering with Sarah, her leadership team, and other Board members to advance our mission and to serve the people and employers of Massachusetts."

Sarah Iselin, the president and CEO of Blue Cross, commended both Thomas and Long, calling them "extraordinary individuals with exceptional leadership and expertise." She expressed confidence that Thomas’s strategic guidance would benefit the organization as it evolves and adapts to members’ needs.

On the other hand, Peter Long comes with an extensive background in health policy, previously serving as the executive vice president for strategy and health solutions at Blue Shield of California. Long expressed his enthusiasm for joining the board at a crucial time for healthcare, emphasizing his commitment to initiatives that promote equitable and accessible healthcare. He remarked, "It’s an honor to join Blue Cross' board of directors at this pivotal time. I look forward to helping the company continue to pursue initiatives that make health care equitable, affordable, and accessible."

Both Thomas and Long hold strong educational credentials that complement their professional experience. Thomas earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Vanderbilt University, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School. Long holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard University, a master's from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a doctorate from UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, a non-profit health plan, is dedicated to public service and enhancing health care experiences for its members. The organization is not only rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality but is also deeply committed to creating healthier communities.

In doing so, Blue Cross emphasizes the importance of strong governance in achieving its mission. The elections of Corey Thomas and Peter Long to critical leadership positions are expected to significantly enhance the organization's strategic pursuits in the coming years, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for the people of Massachusetts.

As these changes take effect, the membership and communities served by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts look forward to innovative strategies and initiatives that arise from this new leadership team. Both Thomas’s and Long's extensive expertise in technology and health policy respectively will likely contribute to a brighter future for healthcare accessibility and equity in the state.