Excellus Executive and Leadership Team

James Reed, the Chief Executive Officer at Excellus, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives for the organization. By aligning corporate objectives with the evolving healthcare needs of upstate New York, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of high-quality insurance products to individuals, families, and employers. James Reed maintains rigorous oversight of the company’s market position within the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, fostering partnerships that expand access to medical care. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to optimize operational efficiency and financial stability. Through the implementation of member-centric policies, the Chief Executive Officer drives improvements in healthcare affordability and service quality. Ultimately, the executive maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the organization remains a cornerstone of community health support while navigating complex regulatory environments and competitive market pressures across the region.

Richard Chase, the Acting Chief Executive Officer at Excellus, manages the immediate operational continuity and strategic execution of the company’s health insurance portfolio. The Acting Chief Executive Officer coordinates cross-departmental efforts to maintain service standards for employer-sponsored coverage and government-funded programs. Richard Chase monitors the effectiveness of current health benefit solutions, ensuring that members receive seamless access to network providers and claims processing. By facilitating communication between executive leadership and internal teams, the Acting Chief Executive Officer stabilizes organizational performance during transitional periods. This role requires precise management of resources to support the company’s mission of providing reliable healthcare access throughout upstate New York. Through the oversight of daily business activities, the executive ensures that all insurance products remain compliant with industry regulations while meeting the diverse needs of the community. Chase drives operational excellence to uphold the reputation of the organization as a trusted health partner.

Rob Mercury, the Chief Financial Officer, Univera Healthcare at Excellus, directs the fiscal strategy and financial reporting functions for the Univera division. The Chief Financial Officer, Univera Healthcare monitors revenue cycles, manages capital allocation, and ensures the financial health of insurance products offered to the community. Rob Mercury oversees the budgeting processes that support the delivery of employer-sponsored coverage and individual health plans. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, the executive provides the financial insights necessary for long-term planning and risk management. This leadership role involves maintaining transparency with stakeholders and ensuring that all financial operations comply with state and federal insurance regulations. Through the rigorous management of assets and liabilities, the Chief Financial Officer, Univera Healthcare supports the company’s ability to provide affordable medical care. Mercury drives fiscal discipline to ensure that the organization remains a stable and reliable provider of health insurance services across the region.

Mark Ruszczyk, the Chief Marketing Officer at Excellus, architects the brand strategy and market engagement initiatives designed to increase awareness of health insurance offerings. The Chief Marketing Officer analyzes consumer data to tailor communication strategies for individuals, families, and employer groups across the upstate New York region. Mark Ruszczyk directs the development of digital tools that allow members to explore plans, review benefits, and manage insurance accounts effectively. By aligning marketing campaigns with the company’s core mission of community health, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the organization’s competitive presence in the insurance industry. This leadership role involves close collaboration with product development teams to ensure that messaging accurately reflects the value of available healthcare services. Through the optimization of outreach channels, the executive drives member acquisition and retention. Ruszczyk ensures that all promotional activities support the broader goal of simplifying the healthcare experience for every member within the network.

Richard Lockwood, the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Utilization Management and CNY Region at Excellus, oversees the clinical efficiency and regional market strategy for the Central New York area. The Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Utilization Management and CNY Region manages the processes that ensure appropriate medical care delivery while controlling healthcare costs for members. Richard Lockwood directs regional initiatives that connect local communities with specific health benefit solutions, including Medicare and Medicaid-related programs. By integrating utilization management data into regional marketing strategies, the executive improves the alignment between provider networks and member needs. This role requires constant interaction with healthcare facilities to maintain high standards of care access. Through the coordination of regional operations, Lockwood supports the company’s commitment to affordability and quality. The executive drives strategic growth by identifying unique health challenges within the CNY region and implementing targeted solutions that enhance the overall member experience.

Jamie Kerr, the Chief Medical Officer at Excellus, directs the clinical strategy and medical policy development for the entire organization. The Chief Medical Officer establishes the standards for quality care, ensuring that all insurance plans provide members with access to effective medical treatments and preventive services. Jamie Kerr oversees the clinical review processes and collaborates with network providers to improve health outcomes across upstate New York. By evaluating medical technologies and evidence-based practices, the executive ensures that the company’s benefit solutions remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation. This leadership role involves guiding the organization through complex clinical challenges and promoting wellness initiatives that help members manage healthcare costs. Through the oversight of medical management programs, the Chief Medical Officer supports the company’s mission to improve community health. Kerr drives clinical excellence by fostering strong relationships with physicians and hospitals, ensuring that the network meets the highest standards of patient care.

Nicholas Massa, the Vice President and Chief Medical Officer - Central York and Southern Tier at Excellus, manages clinical operations and medical quality initiatives within the Central York and Southern Tier regions. The Vice President and Chief Medical Officer - Central York and Southern Tier directs the implementation of health management programs that assist members in navigating the medical system. Nicholas Massa coordinates with local healthcare providers to ensure that insurance plans effectively support the specific needs of these communities. By monitoring clinical performance metrics, the executive identifies opportunities to enhance care delivery and reduce unnecessary costs. This leadership role involves active engagement with regional medical boards and community health organizations to address local health disparities. Through the oversight of regional clinical policies, the executive ensures that members receive timely and appropriate medical attention. Massa drives regional health improvements by aligning clinical resources with the company’s broader mission of providing accessible and affordable healthcare services.