NEW YORK, Nov. 16 Mark Wagar, President and CEO, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, announced today a new management team created to focus resources and expertise on specific market-segments and address an environment needing unique benefit designs and understanding following sensible health care reform.
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The new team, which took effect in October, is comprised of three General Managers responsible for supporting Empire's key market segments in New York. This team consists of Patrick O'Keefe, who joins Empire as Vice President and General Manager for the downstate small group and middle markets; Tom Canty who was named Vice President and General Manager of Labor, Municipal and Jumbo Accounts; and Ethel Graber, who was named Vice President and General Manager, Upstate and Mid-Hudson Accounts.
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"The addition of Patrick's extensive management and marketing skills for integrating large scale operations with small business needs will blend well with the existing customer-focused leadership of Tom and Ethel," noted Wagar. "Patrick's ability to develop and focus nimble, integrated teams to build customer-driven solutions will be essential to creating smarter benefit solutions for our smaller business customers in this difficult economy."
Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year providing health insurance to New Yorkers, today Empire proudly represents nearly six million members, boasts the strongest hospital and provider network in its New York service area and offers a variety of health benefits. In June, Empire announced approval by the New York Department of Insurance to begin offering Life and Disability insurance as part of its broad benefit portfolio. Available through its New York-based affiliate, Anthem Life & Disability Insurance Company, this addition makes Empire a leading information resource and one point of contact for medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, life and disability benefit products for individuals as well as large and small employers in its New York State service area. You can learn more at www.empireblue.com.
About Empire BlueCross BlueShield
Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire) is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com.
SOURCE Empire BlueCross BlueShield
