Excellus Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, Excellus finances and delivers health care services, aiming to improve the health and lives of its members through comprehensive and accessible solutions.

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, James Reed ensures alignment with the company's mission to finance and deliver health care services effectively. This leadership role involves guiding Excellus through evolving market dynamics and regulatory landscapes, maintaining a strong focus on member well-being and accessibility. By fostering innovation and driving efficiency across departments, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term financial health and market position of the company. Ultimately, Reed champions the core values of Excellus, ensuring its role as a nonprofit independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association continues to serve its communities.
    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 fiscal planning for all government-related health care programs. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, Tove Stigum ensures compliance with federal and state regulations governing Medicare and Medicaid services. This vital role involves optimizing financial performance, managing risk, and identifying opportunities for cost savings within government program portfolios. By providing critical financial insights, the Chief Financial Officer supports the sustainable delivery of health care services to government beneficiaries. Stigum's financial acumen is essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of Excellus's government program offerings.

    Mark Ruszczyk - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mark Ruszczyk, the Chief Marketing Officer at Excellus, spearheads all brand strategy and market engagement initiatives. Overseeing the development and execution of comprehensive marketing campaigns, Mark Ruszczyk ensures that Excellus's value proposition resonates with diverse member populations across its service areas. This critical role involves analyzing market trends and consumer needs to drive membership growth and enhance brand loyalty. By collaborating with product development and sales teams, the Chief Marketing Officer shapes messaging that highlights the company's commitment to delivering accessible and quality health care services. Through strategic communication and digital outreach, Ruszczyk strengthens Excellus's presence and impact within the competitive insurance landscape.

    Cynthia Langston - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Cynthia Langston, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Excellus, architects the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation efforts. Overseeing all IT operations, Cynthia Langston ensures the secure and efficient management of data, systems, and digital platforms that support Excellus's health care financing and delivery functions. This leadership position is pivotal in driving innovation, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and optimizing technological solutions to improve member experience and operational efficiency. By aligning IT strategy with business objectives, the Chief Information Officer enables Excellus to adapt to technological advancements and maintain a competitive edge. Langston's strategic direction ensures robust technological capabilities that underpin the company's mission.

    Jamie Kerr - Chief Medical Officer

    Jamie Kerr, the Chief Medical Officer at Excellus, provides clinical leadership and strategic direction for the organization's health care services. Overseeing medical policy, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical operations, Jamie Kerr ensures that Excellus delivers evidence-based, high-quality care to its members. This key role involves collaborating with clinical teams, providers, and health plan leadership to enhance patient outcomes and promote population health management. By championing best practices and clinical innovation, the Chief Medical Officer guides Excellus in navigating the complexities of modern health care delivery. Kerr's medical expertise is fundamental to upholding the company's commitment to member well-being and effective health care financing.

    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.