Blue Shield of California has named Mike Stuart as its new president and chief executive officer. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Stuart previously served as the company’s chief financial officer. He is well-regarded for his dedication to advancing Blue Shield’s mission of delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare to all members.
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Kristina Leslie, chair of Blue Shield’s board, expressed strong confidence in Stuart’s leadership. She highlighted his deep understanding of the organization’s goals, his financial expertise, and his collaborative leadership style as key reasons he is well-suited to guide the nonprofit through the evolving healthcare landscape. Leslie also praised Stuart’s commitment to the nonprofit’s core values amid the complex challenges the industry faces.
Since becoming CFO in 2022, Stuart has played a crucial role in managing the financial pressures affecting healthcare. He has worked closely with providers to build strong partnerships and ensured the company’s financial health while prioritizing affordability for members. Leslie emphasized that Stuart brings the necessary skills to navigate rising costs, regulatory shifts, and growing demands for equity and access.
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As president and CEO, Stuart will oversee more than 6,500 employees serving nearly six million members across various health plans including medical, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare. He is dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity and teamwork throughout Blue Shield and its affiliated organizations. Stuart also supports efforts to expand care access, such as programs for active-duty military members and CalPERS enrollees.
Stuart expressed his enthusiasm for leading Blue Shield during this pivotal time. He stressed the importance of a nonprofit health plan acting with integrity and focusing on accessible, affordable care. Before joining Blue Shield, Stuart spent 11 years in senior leadership at the Daughters of Charity Health System, gaining valuable insight into provider challenges and the need for aligned incentives to improve patient outcomes. He holds an MBA in Finance from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cal State Chico.
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