Leadership Overview
CareFirst has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, finance, and human resources.
Committed to expanding access to quality health coverage, CareFirst delivers comprehensive insurance products and administrative services while maintaining a not-for-profit mission to improve community health outcomes across the region.
Committed to expanding access to quality health coverage, CareFirst delivers comprehensive insurance products and administrative services while maintaining a not-for-profit mission to improve community health outcomes across the region.
Leadership Roles at CareFirst
Leigh Sampson - Chief Executive Officer
Leigh Sampson, the Chief Executive Officer at CareFirst, directs the overarching strategic vision for this not-for-profit health care organization. Sampson architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the company remains an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. By aligning corporate objectives with the evolving needs of health insurance members, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence across all administrative service lines. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain financial stability and market relevance. Leigh Sampson monitors regional health trends to adapt product offerings, ensuring the organization provides high-value coverage options. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's position as a leader in the health insurance industry, ultimately fostering better health outcomes for the diverse populations served by the firm.
Kurt Small - President & Chief Executive Officer
Kurt Small, the President & Chief Executive Officer at CareFirst, manages the daily execution of corporate strategy and health plan administration. Small oversees the integration of insurance products with member services to ensure seamless delivery of care. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, the executive focuses on scaling administrative capabilities to meet the demands of a complex health care landscape. This role requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the mission-driven nature of the organization. Kurt Small coordinates with department heads to optimize service delivery, ensuring that all health insurance products align with regulatory standards and member expectations. By prioritizing innovation in health plan engagement, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the company's market presence. Small maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that the organization continues to provide reliable, accessible health coverage to the communities within the regional footprint.
Gregory Chaney - Chief Financial Officer
Gregory Chaney, the Chief Financial Officer at CareFirst, directs the financial planning, reporting, and risk management functions. Chaney architects fiscal strategies that sustain the not-for-profit mission while ensuring long-term economic viability. As the Chief Financial Officer, the executive oversees capital allocation and budgeting processes to support the development of new health insurance products. This role involves maintaining rigorous financial controls and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Gregory Chaney collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the financial impact of strategic initiatives and market expansions. By managing the company's investment portfolio and financial reserves, the Chief Financial Officer protects the organization against market volatility. Chaney ensures that all financial operations remain transparent and aligned with the company's commitment to providing affordable health coverage, ultimately securing the financial health necessary to serve members effectively across the region.
Cheryl Toland - Chief Operating Officer
Cheryl Toland, the Chief Operating Officer at CareFirst, manages the internal infrastructure and operational workflows that support health insurance delivery. Toland architects scalable processes to enhance the efficiency of administrative services. As the Chief Operating Officer, the executive oversees the daily functions that ensure members receive timely support and accurate coverage processing. This role involves streamlining cross-departmental collaboration to reduce friction in service delivery. Cheryl Toland monitors operational metrics to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the organization maintains high standards of service quality. By optimizing resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer supports the company's ability to handle large-scale health plan administration. Toland focuses on building resilient systems that adapt to changing market conditions, ensuring that the operational backbone of the company remains robust and capable of meeting the needs of all stakeholders within the regional market.
Mack McGee - Chief Marketing Officer
Mack McGee, the Chief Marketing Officer at CareFirst, leads all brand development and member communication strategies. McGee architects campaigns that articulate the value of health insurance products to diverse consumer segments. As the Chief Marketing Officer, the executive drives market penetration by highlighting the not-for-profit mission and the strength of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield network. This role involves analyzing consumer data to refine outreach efforts and improve member retention. Mack McGee collaborates with product teams to ensure marketing messaging accurately reflects the administrative services provided. By leveraging digital platforms and community engagement, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the organization across the region. McGee ensures that all brand touchpoints reinforce the company's reputation for reliability and care, ultimately supporting the growth of the member base through strategic, data-informed marketing initiatives.
Jackie Burja - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer
Jackie Burja, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at CareFirst, coordinates the administrative operations and strategic priorities of the human resources department. Burja architects efficient scheduling and communication flows that enable the Chief Human Resources Officer to focus on talent management and organizational culture. As the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer, the executive manages critical documentation and facilitates meetings that drive workforce development initiatives. This role involves supporting the implementation of HR policies that align with the company's not-for-profit mission. Jackie Burja ensures that the department maintains high levels of productivity by managing complex projects and stakeholder interactions. By providing essential support, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer enables the leadership team to execute human capital strategies effectively. Burja maintains a focus on operational precision, ensuring that all HR-related administrative tasks support the broader goals of the organization.
Angela Celestin - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Angela Celestin, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at CareFirst, leads the talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development strategies. Celestin architects programs that foster a high-performance culture aligned with the company's health care mission. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, the executive oversees the recruitment of top-tier professionals to support the delivery of insurance products and administrative services. This role involves designing compensation and benefits structures that attract and retain a skilled workforce. Angela Celestin collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that human capital strategies support the company's growth and operational goals. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the organization's ability to serve a diverse member base. Celestin drives initiatives that promote employee well-being, ensuring the workforce remains motivated and capable of delivering exceptional service.
Arin Foreman - Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff
Arin Foreman, the Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff at CareFirst, supports the executive office in managing strategic priorities and cross-functional initiatives. Foreman architects communication channels that ensure alignment between the leadership team and various departments. As the Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff, the executive facilitates the execution of key projects that enhance the company's administrative service capabilities. This role involves preparing briefings and managing high-level stakeholder relationships to ensure smooth organizational operations. Arin Foreman monitors the progress of strategic goals, providing the necessary oversight to keep initiatives on track. By coordinating efforts across the organization, the Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to respond effectively to market challenges. Foreman focuses on operational efficiency and strategic clarity, ensuring that the executive office functions as a cohesive unit to support the company's mission of providing quality health coverage.
Heather Hahn - Divisional Advisor. Chief of Staff
Heather Hahn, the Divisional Advisor. Chief of Staff at CareFirst, provides strategic guidance and operational support to the executive leadership team. Hahn architects frameworks for decision-making that help the organization navigate the complexities of the health insurance industry. As the Divisional Advisor. Chief of Staff, the executive manages the flow of information between departments to ensure that strategic objectives remain a priority. This role involves analyzing operational data to provide actionable insights for the leadership team. Heather Hahn coordinates special projects that address critical business needs, such as improving administrative service delivery. By fostering collaboration across divisions, the Divisional Advisor. Chief of Staff ensures that the company's resources are utilized effectively to meet member needs. Hahn maintains a focus on strategic alignment, ensuring that all divisional activities support the overarching mission of providing accessible and reliable health insurance products to the regional market.
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, directs the development of long-term strategic plans and member engagement initiatives. Beard architects programs that deepen the connection between the company and its health plan members. As the Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Strategy & Health Plan Engagement, the executive oversees the integration of strategic goals into daily operations to ensure consistent service delivery. This role involves analyzing market trends to identify opportunities for product innovation and member outreach. Sandra Beard collaborates with the executive team to refine the company's approach to health plan engagement, ensuring that all initiatives reflect the not-for-profit mission. By leading strategic planning efforts, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Strategy & Health Plan Engagement drives the company's growth and market impact. Beard ensures that the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of the regional health care landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CareFirst Top Executives and Leadership Team
