Excellus Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to community health, Excellus delivers comprehensive insurance solutions while financing essential medical services to improve regional wellness outcomes across the United States.

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 - 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 insurance organization. Reed architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the company maintains its status as a reliable licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. By overseeing the entire corporate structure, the Chief Executive Officer aligns operational goals with the mission of financing and delivering high-quality health care services. James Reed manages relationships with the Board of Directors to secure financial stability and market relevance. Through constant evaluation of the competitive landscape, the Chief Executive Officer drives innovation in service delivery models. This leadership role requires balancing complex regulatory requirements with the need for accessible patient care. Ultimately, Reed fosters a culture of excellence that supports the health of diverse populations across the region, ensuring the organization remains a cornerstone of the local health care ecosystem.
    James Reed

    Tove Stigum - Government Programs Chief Financial Officer

    Tove Stigum, the Government Programs Chief Financial Officer at Excellus, manages the fiscal health and budgetary requirements for all public-sector insurance initiatives. Stigum architects financial models that ensure the sustainability of government-funded health programs. By overseeing revenue cycles and cost-containment strategies, the Government Programs Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial integrity of these critical service lines. Tove Stigum collaborates with regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance with state and federal funding mandates. This role involves analyzing complex actuarial data to forecast future liabilities and optimize resource allocation. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Government Programs Chief Financial Officer supports the delivery of affordable care to vulnerable populations. By balancing fiscal responsibility with the mission of the company, Stigum ensures that government programs remain viable and effective. This leadership position directly impacts the ability of the organization to serve a broad demographic through public health insurance offerings.

    Mark Ruszczyk - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mark Ruszczyk, the Chief Marketing Officer at Excellus, manages brand positioning and consumer engagement strategies across all insurance product lines. Ruszczyk architects communication campaigns that clarify complex health care benefits for members throughout the region. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer identifies opportunities to expand the company footprint and increase enrollment. Mark Ruszczyk collaborates with the executive team to ensure marketing initiatives reflect the nonprofit values of the organization. This role involves overseeing digital outreach and community partnerships to strengthen brand loyalty. Through data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes advertising spend to maximize reach and impact. By maintaining a consistent brand voice, Ruszczyk ensures that members understand the value of the services provided. This leadership function directly supports the growth objectives of the company by connecting individuals with the right health coverage options in a competitive insurance market.

    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 modern health insurance operations. Langston architects scalable technology solutions that streamline claims processing and member data management. By overseeing the IT department, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that all systems remain compliant with strict health care privacy regulations. Cindy Langston collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate advanced analytics into the decision-making process, improving operational efficiency across the enterprise. This role involves managing large-scale software implementations that support the delivery of health care services. Through continuous monitoring of cybersecurity threats, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer protects sensitive member information from unauthorized access. By modernizing the technological backbone of the company, Langston enables seamless interactions between providers, members, and the organization, ultimately driving better health outcomes through digital innovation.

    Jamie Kerr - Chief Medical Officer

    Jamie Kerr, the Chief Medical Officer at Excellus, directs the clinical strategy and quality improvement initiatives that define the health care delivery model. Kerr architects evidence-based medical policies that guide provider networks and improve patient care standards. By overseeing clinical operations, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all insurance products promote preventative health and effective disease management. Jamie Kerr collaborates with the executive team to align medical outcomes with the overall mission of the company. This role involves evaluating new medical technologies and treatments to determine their efficacy and value for the member base. Through constant engagement with the medical community, the Chief Medical Officer fosters partnerships that enhance the quality of care provided to members. By prioritizing patient safety and clinical excellence, Kerr drives the organization toward better health metrics. This leadership function is essential for maintaining the reputation of the company as a leader in health care services.

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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 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.