Excellus Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Excellus has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, technology, finance, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, Excellus finances and delivers health care services, operating as a nonprofit independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association and impacting health outcomes across its service areas.

Leadership Roles at Excellus

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Reed
  • Government Programs Chief Financial Officer - Tove Stigum
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Mark Ruszczyk
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Cynthia Langston
  • Chief Medical Officer - Jamie Kerr
  • James Reed - Chief Executive Officer

    James Reed, the Chief Executive Officer at Excellus, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. Overseeing all major business units, Reed ensures alignment with the company's mission to finance and deliver health care services effectively. This leadership role involves navigating the complex landscape of the insurance industry, driving growth, and maintaining the nonprofit status as an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. By fostering a culture of innovation and accountability, James Reed guides the company's expansion and service delivery, ensuring robust financial health and superior member experiences across its operational footprint. Reed's strategic initiatives are critical for enhancing market position and achieving long-term sustainability in the health care sector.
    James Reed

    Tove Stigum - Government Programs Chief Financial Officer

    Tove Stigum, the Government Programs Chief Financial Officer at Excellus, manages the financial operations and strategic planning for all government-affiliated health care programs. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, Stigum ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance with regulatory requirements specific to government contracts. This position is crucial for optimizing financial performance within Medicare and Medicaid offerings, thereby supporting the company's mission to deliver accessible health care services. By meticulously analyzing financial data and identifying cost-saving opportunities, Tove Stigum safeguards the financial integrity of these vital programs. Stigum's financial acumen is indispensable for the sustainable growth and operational success of Excellus's government program portfolio.

    Mark Ruszczyk - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mark Ruszczyk, the Chief Marketing Officer at Excellus, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and member engagement. Overseeing all promotional activities and market research initiatives, Ruszczyk drives customer acquisition and retention efforts. This role is pivotal in communicating the value proposition of Excellus's health care services and reinforcing its position as a nonprofit independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. By analyzing market trends and consumer needs, Mark Ruszczyk ensures that marketing campaigns resonate with diverse audiences and support the company's growth objectives. Ruszczyk's leadership in brand development and market penetration is essential for expanding Excellus's reach and solidifying its reputation within the competitive health insurance landscape.

    Cynthia Langston - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Cynthia Langston, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Excellus, directs the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Overseeing the development and implementation of IT strategies, Langston ensures the security, scalability, and efficiency of all technology systems supporting health care financing and delivery. This critical role involves managing data integrity, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and leveraging technological advancements to improve member services and operational workflows. By aligning technology roadmaps with business objectives, Cynthia Langston champions innovation in areas such as data analytics and digital health solutions. Langston's expertise is fundamental to maintaining Excellus's competitive edge and ensuring seamless operations as a nonprofit independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

    Jamie Kerr - Chief Medical Officer

    Jamie Kerr, the Chief Medical Officer at Excellus, provides clinical leadership and strategic direction for the company's health care services and quality initiatives. Overseeing medical policy development and clinical operations, Kerr ensures that patient care standards align with best practices and regulatory mandates. This role is essential for enhancing health outcomes, managing clinical risk, and promoting evidence-based medicine across Excellus's member population. By collaborating with clinical teams and external healthcare providers, Jamie Kerr champions initiatives focused on preventive care, disease management, and overall population health. Kerr's medical expertise is fundamental to upholding Excellus's commitment to delivering high-quality, effective health care solutions as a nonprofit independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Insurance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Excellus Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Excellus?
    Excellus is led by James Reed (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tove Stigum (Government Programs Chief Financial Officer) and Mark Ruszczyk (Chief Marketing Officer).
    Who is part of Excellus’s executive team?
    The executive team of Excellus includes leaders such as James Reed (Chief Executive Officer), Tove Stigum (Government Programs Chief Financial Officer), Mark Ruszczyk (Chief Marketing Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Excellus have?
    Excellus has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Excellus’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Excellus includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Government Programs Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Medical Officer.