CareFirst Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

CareFirst has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, marketing, human resources, and information technology.

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, CareFirst is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality health insurance products and administrative services, fostering a healthier future for its members.

Leadership Roles at CareFirst

  • Chief Executive Officer - Leigh Sampson
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kurt Small
  • Chief Financial Officer - Gregory Chaney
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Ja'Ron Bridges
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cheryl Toland
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Mack McGee
  • Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Strategy & Health Plan Engagement - Sandra Beard
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Glenn Rothman
  • Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff - Arin Foreman
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Angela Celestin
  • Leigh Sampson - Chief Executive Officer

    Leigh Sampson, the Chief Executive Officer at CareFirst, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the not-for-profit health care company. Sampson guides the organization's mission to provide comprehensive health insurance products and administrative services across its service areas. This leadership role involves setting the corporate direction, ensuring alignment with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's standards, and driving initiatives that enhance member access to quality care. Sampson's oversight extends to fostering innovation within the health insurance landscape, adapting to evolving market demands, and maintaining the company's commitment to community well-being. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include cultivating key stakeholder relationships and championing the company's long-term sustainability and growth. Leigh Sampson ensures the organization effectively navigates the complexities of the healthcare industry while upholding its core values.
    Leigh Sampson

    Kurt Small - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kurt Small, the President & Chief Executive Officer at CareFirst, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the health insurance provider. Small's leadership focuses on advancing the company's mission to deliver accessible and high-quality health insurance products and administrative services. This executive position involves shaping the organization's long-term goals, ensuring robust financial health, and driving initiatives that improve member outcomes and satisfaction. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees critical functions that support the company's independent licensee status with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Kurt Small is instrumental in navigating the dynamic healthcare market, fostering strategic partnerships, and reinforcing CareFirst's commitment to community health and well-being. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of regulatory environments and market trends to ensure sustained growth and operational excellence.
    Kurt Small

    Gregory Chaney - Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Chaney, the Chief Financial Officer at CareFirst, directs all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the health insurance company. Chaney oversees the management of financial resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility and the long-term economic health of the organization. This critical role involves developing financial strategies, managing investments, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, providing essential financial insights to support executive decision-making. Gregory Chaney plays a key part in optimizing financial performance, managing risk, and driving initiatives that enhance the company's ability to offer affordable and comprehensive health insurance products. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the financial stability required to serve members effectively and uphold the company's not-for-profit mission.

    Ja'Ron Bridges - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Ja'Ron Bridges, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at CareFirst, collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer to manage the financial health and strategic fiscal planning of the health insurance company. Bridges supports the oversight of financial resources, ensuring adherence to fiscal policies and regulatory requirements. This executive position involves contributing to financial strategy development, managing investment portfolios, and ensuring robust financial reporting. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer plays a key role in optimizing financial performance, mitigating risks, and supporting initiatives that enhance the company's capacity to deliver affordable health insurance. Ja'Ron Bridges works to maintain the financial stability necessary for CareFirst to fulfill its not-for-profit mission and serve its member base effectively. This role is integral to the company's overall financial integrity and operational success.
    Ja'Ron Bridges

    Cheryl Toland - Chief Operating Officer

    Cheryl Toland, the Chief Operating Officer at CareFirst, oversees the day-to-day operational functions and service delivery for the health insurance provider. Toland's leadership focuses on optimizing operational efficiency, ensuring the seamless delivery of health insurance products and administrative services to members. This executive role involves managing key operational departments, implementing process improvements, and driving initiatives that enhance service quality and member satisfaction. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the effective execution of business strategies, ensuring that operational infrastructure supports the company's mission and growth objectives. Cheryl Toland plays a vital part in streamlining workflows, managing resources, and ensuring that CareFirst operates with the highest standards of efficiency and effectiveness. This position is crucial for maintaining the company's competitive edge and its commitment to providing accessible healthcare solutions.

    Mack McGee - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mack McGee, the Chief Marketing Officer at CareFirst, directs the comprehensive marketing and brand strategy for the health insurance company. McGee is responsible for developing and executing marketing initiatives that enhance brand visibility, drive member acquisition, and strengthen customer engagement. This leadership role involves overseeing market research, advertising campaigns, digital marketing efforts, and public relations to communicate the value of CareFirst's health insurance products and services. The Chief Marketing Officer plays a crucial part in shaping the company's market position and communicating its commitment to community well-being and accessible healthcare. Mack McGee ensures that marketing efforts align with the organization's strategic goals, effectively reaching target audiences and reinforcing CareFirst's reputation as a trusted health insurance provider. This position is essential for driving growth and fostering strong relationships with members and stakeholders.
    Mack McGee

    Sandra Beard - Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Strategy & Health Plan Engagement

    Sandra Beard, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Strategy & Health Plan Engagement at CareFirst, orchestrates strategic initiatives and manages key relationships critical to the health insurance company's success. Beard oversees the development and implementation of strategic plans, ensuring alignment across various departments and fostering effective health plan engagement. This leadership role involves advising executive leadership, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and driving projects that advance the company's mission and market position. The Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Strategy & Health Plan Engagement plays a vital part in translating strategic objectives into actionable plans and ensuring seamless communication between leadership and operational teams. Sandra Beard is instrumental in enhancing the company's strategic capabilities and strengthening its partnerships within the healthcare ecosystem. This position is essential for driving organizational effectiveness and achieving long-term growth objectives.

    Glenn Rothman - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Glenn Rothman, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at CareFirst, directs the company's information technology strategy and infrastructure. Rothman oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of all technology systems, ensuring they support the organization's operational needs and strategic goals. This executive role involves managing cybersecurity, data management, and digital transformation initiatives to enhance efficiency and member experience. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer plays a crucial part in leveraging technology to improve the delivery of health insurance products and administrative services. Glenn Rothman is responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of CareFirst's IT operations, driving innovation in technology solutions. This position is critical for maintaining a robust technological foundation that supports the company's mission and its commitment to providing accessible healthcare.

    Arin Foreman - Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff

    Arin Foreman, the Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff at CareFirst, supports the Chief of Staff in executing strategic initiatives and managing key organizational projects. Foreman assists in facilitating cross-functional collaboration and ensuring the smooth implementation of executive directives across the health insurance company. This role involves contributing to strategic planning processes, coordinating internal communications, and supporting the operational efficiency of the executive leadership team. The Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff plays a vital part in streamlining operations and ensuring that strategic objectives are effectively translated into actionable tasks. Arin Foreman helps to enhance organizational alignment and supports the executive team in driving CareFirst's mission forward. This position is integral to maintaining operational momentum and supporting the company's overall strategic execution.

    Angela Celestin - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Angela Celestin, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at CareFirst, leads all human resources functions and talent management strategies for the health insurance company. Celestin is responsible for developing and implementing HR policies that support employee growth, foster a positive work environment, and align with the organization's strategic objectives. This executive role involves overseeing recruitment, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and organizational development to attract and retain top talent. The Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer plays a critical part in cultivating a strong corporate culture and ensuring that CareFirst's workforce is equipped to deliver exceptional service. Angela Celestin drives initiatives that promote employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion, reinforcing the company's commitment to its people and its mission. This position is essential for building and maintaining a high-performing team.
    Angela Celestin

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CareFirst Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CareFirst?
    CareFirst is led by Leigh Sampson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kurt Small (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Gregory Chaney (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of CareFirst’s executive team?
    The executive team of CareFirst includes leaders such as Leigh Sampson (Chief Executive Officer), Kurt Small (President & Chief Executive Officer), Gregory Chaney (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CareFirst have?
    CareFirst has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CareFirst’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CareFirst includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.