CareFirst Executive and Leadership Team

May, 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 offers comprehensive health insurance products and administrative services, focusing on accessible and affordable healthcare solutions 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
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Angela Celestin
  • Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff - Arin Foreman
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Glenn Rothman
  • Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Strategy & Health Plan Engagement - Sandra Beard
  • 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 insurance provider. Sampson guides the company's mission to deliver accessible and affordable healthcare solutions, aligning all departments toward achieving key performance indicators and fostering sustainable growth. This leadership role involves setting the corporate agenda, ensuring regulatory compliance across all business units, and championing initiatives that enhance member experience and community health outcomes. Sampson's strategic direction ensures CareFirst effectively navigates the complex healthcare landscape, maintaining its position as an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders, including board members, partners, and government agencies, to advance the company's long-term objectives and market presence. Leigh Sampson drives the organization's commitment to innovation and service excellence.
    Leigh Sampson

    Kurt Small - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kurt Small, the President & Chief Executive Officer at CareFirst, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of high-quality health insurance products and services. Small's role encompasses driving business growth, enhancing member value, and maintaining CareFirst's commitment to its not-for-profit mission. This executive position involves overseeing all major functional areas, from product development to market expansion, with a focus on innovation and efficiency. Kurt Small directs efforts to strengthen CareFirst's position within the healthcare industry, emphasizing member satisfaction and community impact. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of excellence, managing key stakeholder relationships, and ensuring the company's financial health and long-term sustainability. Small's leadership ensures CareFirst remains a trusted provider of health solutions, adapting to evolving market demands and regulatory environments. Kurt Small champions the company's dedication to improving health outcomes across its service regions.
    Kurt Small

    Gregory Chaney - Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Chaney, the Chief Financial Officer at CareFirst, manages the organization's financial health, overseeing all fiscal operations and strategic financial planning. Chaney directs the budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with industry regulations. This critical role involves optimizing capital allocation, managing investment strategies, and safeguarding the company's assets to support its not-for-profit mission and long-term sustainability. Gregory Chaney provides essential financial insights to guide executive decision-making, focusing on profitability, operational efficiency, and risk management. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include developing financial models that support business growth and innovation, particularly in the competitive health insurance market. Chaney also plays a key part in securing funding and managing relationships with financial institutions. Gregory Chaney ensures financial transparency and accountability across all departments, driving fiscal responsibility throughout CareFirst.

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

    Ja'Ron Bridges, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at CareFirst, directs the company's comprehensive financial strategy and management. Bridges oversees all financial planning, accounting operations, treasury functions, and investment activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth for the not-for-profit health insurer. This senior leadership role involves providing critical financial insights to guide strategic decision-making, optimizing resource allocation, and managing financial risks effectively. Ja'Ron Bridges ensures adherence to stringent financial regulations and reporting standards within the healthcare industry. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include developing financial models that support business objectives, managing capital structure, and fostering strong relationships with financial partners. Ja'Ron Bridges plays a pivotal role in maintaining CareFirst's financial stability and supporting its mission to deliver affordable healthcare solutions.
    Ja'Ron Bridges

    Cheryl Toland - Chief Operating Officer

    Cheryl Toland, the Chief Operating Officer at CareFirst, directs the day-to-day operational activities and service delivery for the health insurance provider. Toland oversees the efficiency and effectiveness of core business processes, including claims processing, member services, and network management, ensuring seamless execution of CareFirst's offerings. This leadership position focuses on optimizing operational workflows, implementing best practices, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance member satisfaction and reduce costs. Cheryl Toland's responsibilities include managing large teams, fostering cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring that operational strategies align with the company's overall mission and financial objectives. The Chief Operating Officer plays a vital role in scaling operations to meet growing demand and adapting to technological advancements in the healthcare sector. Cheryl Toland ensures the reliable and high-quality delivery of health insurance products and administrative services across all markets.

    Mack McGee - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mack McGee, the Chief Marketing Officer at CareFirst, leads all marketing and brand strategy initiatives, driving member acquisition, retention, and engagement. McGee oversees the development and execution of comprehensive marketing campaigns across various channels, ensuring consistent brand messaging and positioning in the competitive health insurance market. This role involves analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and leveraging data-driven insights to optimize marketing spend and maximize return on investment. Mack McGee directs efforts to enhance CareFirst's brand visibility and reputation, communicating the value of its health insurance products and services to diverse audiences. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include managing digital marketing, public relations, and corporate communications to support the company's strategic goals. Mack McGee ensures marketing efforts effectively communicate CareFirst's commitment to community health and member well-being.
    Mack McGee

    Angela Celestin - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Angela Celestin, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at CareFirst, directs all human capital strategies and initiatives to support the organization's mission and growth. Celestin oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and organizational culture, ensuring CareFirst attracts and retains top talent. This leadership role is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment that aligns with the company's values and commitment to serving its members. Angela Celestin champions initiatives that promote employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a workplace where all individuals can thrive. The Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer works closely with other senior leaders to align HR strategies with business objectives, ensuring the workforce is equipped to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. Angela Celestin drives the development of a skilled and motivated team essential for CareFirst's success.
    Angela Celestin

    Arin Foreman - Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff

    Arin Foreman, the Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff at CareFirst, provides critical support to the executive leadership team, facilitating strategic initiatives and operational alignment. Foreman assists in coordinating cross-functional projects, managing key communications, and ensuring the efficient execution of the company's strategic priorities. This role involves acting as a liaison between various departments and leadership levels, streamlining workflows and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Arin Foreman supports the Chief of Staff in driving key organizational programs and ensuring seamless communication across the enterprise. The Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing executive briefings, managing special projects, and contributing to the overall strategic planning process. Arin Foreman plays an integral part in optimizing the effectiveness of executive decision-making and operational execution at CareFirst.

    Glenn Rothman - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Glenn Rothman, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at CareFirst, leads the company's technology strategy and information systems infrastructure. Rothman oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of all IT operations, ensuring robust cybersecurity, data integrity, and system reliability to support CareFirst's health insurance services. This executive position is vital for driving digital transformation, enhancing technological capabilities, and leveraging data analytics to improve operational efficiency and member experience. Glenn Rothman directs initiatives focused on innovation in health technology, ensuring CareFirst remains at the forefront of digital solutions in the healthcare sector. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT budgets, overseeing software development, and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations. Glenn Rothman ensures that technology effectively supports CareFirst's mission of providing accessible and affordable healthcare.

    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, drives strategic initiatives and enhances engagement across health plan operations. Beard oversees the development and implementation of long-term strategies, ensuring alignment with CareFirst's mission and market objectives. This multifaceted role involves coordinating key projects, facilitating executive-level decision-making, and fostering collaboration between different business units and external stakeholders. Sandra Beard plays a crucial role in translating strategic vision into actionable plans, focusing on improving health plan performance and member satisfaction. The Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Strategy & Health Plan Engagement's responsibilities include managing strategic partnerships, analyzing market dynamics, and driving innovation in health plan services. Sandra Beard ensures that CareFirst's strategic direction effectively supports its commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare.

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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.