Excellus Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Excellus has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational management, marketing, information technology, and clinical oversight.

Committed to community health, Excellus delivers comprehensive insurance solutions while maintaining a nonprofit mission to improve access to quality care across the region.

Leadership Roles at Excellus

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Reed
  • Acting Chief Executive Officer - Richard Chase
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Mark Ruszczyk
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Cindy Langston
  • Chief Medical Officer - Jamie Kerr
  • James Reed - Chief Executive Officer

    James Reed, the Chief Executive Officer at Excellus, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nonprofit health insurer. Overseeing the entire organizational structure, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between financial stability and the delivery of essential health care services. James Reed manages high-level relationships with the BlueCross BlueShield Association to maintain network integrity. By prioritizing member outcomes, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term growth across the New York market. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine corporate governance and operational efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of fiscal health, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for expanding service access. Reed maintains a focus on sustainable business practices that support the broader mission of improving community health outcomes. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of accountability and excellence throughout the entire enterprise, ensuring that every strategic initiative directly benefits the members served by the organization.
    James Reed

    Richard Chase - Acting Chief Executive Officer

    Richard Chase, the Acting Chief Executive Officer at Excellus, manages daily operations and maintains continuity during transitional periods. Overseeing the execution of core business objectives, the Acting Chief Executive Officer stabilizes internal processes while supporting the broader mission of delivering health care services. Richard Chase coordinates with department heads to ensure that service delivery remains uninterrupted across the regional footprint. By monitoring performance metrics, the Acting Chief Executive Officer identifies opportunities for operational refinement and cost management. This leadership role requires constant engagement with internal stakeholders to maintain morale and focus on organizational goals. Through the implementation of agile management strategies, the Acting Chief Executive Officer addresses immediate market challenges while preparing the company for future growth. Chase provides steady guidance to the executive team, ensuring that all functional areas remain aligned with the nonprofit mandate. Ultimately, the Acting Chief Executive Officer preserves the integrity of the insurance operations while upholding the high standards expected by members.

    Mark Ruszczyk - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mark Ruszczyk, the Chief Marketing Officer at Excellus, architects the brand strategy and member engagement initiatives for this health insurance provider. Overseeing all communication channels, the Chief Marketing Officer drives market penetration and brand awareness across the New York region. Mark Ruszczyk develops targeted campaigns that highlight the value of nonprofit health coverage to diverse demographics. By analyzing consumer data, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes outreach efforts to increase enrollment and member retention. This leadership role involves close collaboration with product development teams to ensure that marketing messages accurately reflect the benefits of the insurance plans. Through the creation of digital and traditional media strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the company's position in a competitive landscape. Ruszczyk manages the public image of the organization, ensuring that all messaging aligns with the core mission of community health. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer builds lasting trust with members by clearly articulating the commitment to quality care and service.

    Cindy Langston - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Cindy Langston, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Excellus, directs the digital infrastructure and data security protocols essential for health care delivery. Overseeing the modernization of internal systems, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that technology supports efficient claims processing and member services. Cindy Langston manages the integration of advanced analytics to improve health outcomes and operational transparency. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer protects sensitive member data across all digital platforms. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite executives to align technological investments with the company's long-term growth strategy. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer enhances the accessibility of insurance services for members throughout the region. Langston fosters innovation within the IT department, driving the adoption of tools that streamline administrative workflows. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer provides the technical foundation necessary for the organization to thrive in a digital-first health care environment.

    Jamie Kerr - Chief Medical Officer

    Jamie Kerr, the Chief Medical Officer at Excellus, architects the clinical strategy and quality assurance programs that define the company's health care delivery model. Overseeing medical policy development, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that insurance coverage aligns with evidence-based practices and patient safety standards. Jamie Kerr collaborates with regional health care providers to improve care coordination and member health outcomes. By evaluating clinical data, the Chief Medical Officer identifies trends that inform the design of wellness programs and disease management initiatives. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on the medical implications of new insurance products and regulatory changes. Through the promotion of preventative care, the Chief Medical Officer reduces long-term costs while enhancing the overall health of the member population. Kerr maintains rigorous oversight of clinical quality metrics, ensuring that the organization consistently meets high performance benchmarks. Ultimately, the Chief Medical Officer bridges the gap between insurance administration and clinical practice, ensuring that every policy decision prioritizes the well-being of the members.

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    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 Richard Chase (Acting Chief Executive 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), Richard Chase (Acting Chief Executive 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, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Medical Officer.