Highmark Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Highmark has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, financial strategy, marketing, diversified business, technology, and medical administration.

Committed to advancing health outcomes, Highmark delivers comprehensive insurance products and administrative services across the Mid-Atlantic region while maintaining a focus on sustainable, non-profit healthcare delivery.

Leadership Roles at Highmark

  • Chief Financial Officer - Elise Ballard
  • Diversified Businesses Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Neil Reece
  • Chief Operating Officer - Mary Tobin
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Karen Hanlon
  • Chief Of Staff To President Highmark Inc And Director Business And Operations Strategy Realization - Joy Matoney
  • Chief of Staff & President, Office of - Manda Sanders
  • Chief of Staff & President, Office - Pamela Kinley
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Craig Riner
  • Chief Technology Officer, Provider Services - Paul Sikora
  • Chief Medical Officer - Leo Hartz
  • Elise Ballard - Chief Financial Officer

    Elise Ballard, the Chief Financial Officer at Highmark, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Ballard oversees the financial underwriting processes for Medicare supplemental, dental, and vision insurance products. By analyzing market trends and risk profiles, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term solvency of the company while supporting national and individual account growth. Ballard directs the financial reporting functions and maintains transparency with stakeholders regarding the performance of various insurance portfolios. This role involves close collaboration with the board to align investment strategies with the non-profit mission. Elise Ballard drives fiscal discipline across all departments, ensuring that resources support the delivery of essential healthcare services. Through strategic financial planning, Ballard mitigates market volatility and strengthens the balance sheet, providing the necessary foundation for the company to expand its reach across the Mid-Atlantic region.

    Neil Reece - Diversified Businesses Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Neil Reece, the Diversified Businesses Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Highmark, manages the financial performance of the company's for-profit subsidiaries. Reece oversees the revenue streams generated from non-core insurance activities and specialized administrative services. By evaluating the profitability of these diversified units, the Vice President ensures that these ventures contribute positively to the overall financial health of the organization. Reece directs the budgeting and forecasting processes for these specific business lines, ensuring alignment with the broader corporate strategy. This role requires balancing the pursuit of profit with the mission-driven objectives of the parent company. Neil Reece monitors operational efficiency within these subsidiaries to maximize returns on investment. Through careful financial oversight, Reece supports the expansion of services into new markets, ensuring that the diversified business portfolio remains a robust component of the company's long-term growth strategy.
    Neil Reece

    Mary Tobin - Chief Operating Officer

    Mary Tobin, the Chief Operating Officer at Highmark, directs the internal infrastructure supporting indemnity and managed care health insurance products. Tobin oversees the daily execution of claims adjudication services for hospitals and physicians across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that regional accounts receive efficient, high-quality service delivery. Tobin manages the integration of for-profit subsidiaries into the broader non-profit framework, driving operational excellence across the organization. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the executive team to optimize resource allocation and maintain service standards. Mary Tobin monitors performance metrics to ensure that all operational activities align with the overarching mission of providing accessible healthcare solutions. Through rigorous process management, Tobin secures the operational stability necessary for long-term growth in the competitive insurance landscape.

    Karen Hanlon - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Karen Hanlon, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Highmark, directs the overall execution of the company's strategic vision and operational goals. Hanlon oversees the integration of insurance product development with the administrative services provided to hospitals and physicians. By aligning the efforts of various departments, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to high-quality, non-profit healthcare delivery. Hanlon manages the high-level relationships with key stakeholders and ensures that the company meets its regulatory obligations across all operating states. This leadership role involves setting the operational tempo for the entire executive team to drive efficiency and growth. Karen Hanlon monitors the performance of all business units to ensure consistency with the corporate mission. Through decisive leadership, Hanlon navigates the complexities of the healthcare market, ensuring that the company continues to provide essential insurance and administrative support to its diverse client base.

    Joy Matoney - Chief Of Staff To President Highmark Inc And Director Business And Operations Strategy Realization

    Joy Matoney, the Chief Of Staff To President Highmark Inc And Director Business And Operations Strategy Realization at Highmark, coordinates the strategic initiatives that drive operational success. Matoney oversees the alignment of business objectives with the day-to-day activities of the executive office. By facilitating communication between the President and other leadership members, the Chief Of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive the necessary focus and resources. Matoney directs the realization of operational strategies, ensuring that long-term goals translate into measurable outcomes for the company. This role involves managing complex projects that span multiple departments, including insurance product development and administrative services. Joy Matoney monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure that the organization remains on track to meet its performance targets. Through meticulous planning and execution, Matoney supports the leadership team in maintaining the company's competitive position in the healthcare insurance market.

    Manda Sanders - Chief of Staff & President, Office of

    Manda Sanders, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Highmark, manages the administrative functions and strategic priorities within the executive office. Sanders oversees the flow of information and decision-making processes that support the company's mission of providing comprehensive health insurance. By organizing the executive agenda, the Chief of Staff ensures that leadership focuses on critical issues such as market expansion and service quality. Sanders directs the internal communications that keep the organization aligned with its non-profit goals. This role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that the President's vision is executed across all levels of the company. Manda Sanders monitors the effectiveness of executive operations to identify areas for improvement and efficiency. Through proactive management, Sanders ensures that the office functions as a cohesive unit, supporting the company's efforts to deliver reliable insurance products and administrative services to its regional accounts.

    Pamela Kinley - Chief of Staff & President, Office

    Pamela Kinley, the Chief of Staff & President, Office at Highmark, facilitates the strategic operations and administrative oversight of the executive leadership team. Kinley oversees the implementation of corporate policies that govern the company's insurance and managed care products. By managing the executive workflow, the Chief of Staff ensures that the organization remains responsive to the needs of its national and individual accounts. Kinley directs the coordination of cross-functional teams to address complex challenges in the healthcare insurance landscape. This role involves maintaining high standards of operational excellence and ensuring that all activities align with the company's non-profit mission. Pamela Kinley monitors the progress of key strategic initiatives to ensure that the company achieves its growth and service objectives. Through effective leadership and organization, Kinley supports the executive team in delivering high-quality healthcare solutions across the Mid-Atlantic region, ensuring that the company remains a trusted partner for providers and policyholders.

    Craig Riner - Chief Marketing Officer

    Craig Riner, the Chief Marketing Officer at Highmark, architects the brand strategy and market positioning for all insurance products. Riner oversees the development of outreach campaigns targeting regional and national accounts to increase market penetration. By analyzing consumer behavior and healthcare needs, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the company effectively communicates the value of its managed care and indemnity offerings. Riner directs the digital and traditional marketing channels to engage individual policyholders and institutional providers. This leadership role involves aligning marketing initiatives with the broader organizational goal of improving health outcomes. Craig Riner monitors campaign performance to optimize customer acquisition costs and brand loyalty. Through data-driven insights, Riner shapes the public perception of the company, ensuring that the brand remains a trusted leader in the insurance industry across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.
    Craig Riner

    Paul Sikora - Chief Technology Officer, Provider Services

    Paul Sikora, the Chief Technology Officer, Provider Services at Highmark, architects the digital infrastructure required for claims adjudication and provider network management. Sikora oversees the implementation of secure, scalable systems that facilitate seamless interactions between the company and healthcare practitioners. By integrating advanced data analytics into the provider services platform, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that hospitals and physicians receive accurate and timely administrative support. Sikora directs the cybersecurity initiatives necessary to protect sensitive patient and provider information across the Mid-Atlantic region. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to ensure that technology investments directly support the company's insurance product delivery. Paul Sikora monitors system performance to minimize downtime and enhance the user experience for institutional partners. Through continuous innovation, Sikora drives the digital transformation of provider services, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of healthcare technology.

    Leo Hartz - Chief Medical Officer

    Leo Hartz, the Chief Medical Officer at Highmark, directs the clinical strategy and medical policy for all insurance products. Hartz oversees the development of managed care protocols that ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based healthcare to policyholders. By collaborating with physicians and institutional providers, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the company's claims adjudication processes reflect current medical standards. Hartz directs the clinical review teams to maintain the integrity of the company's health insurance offerings. This leadership role involves balancing clinical outcomes with the financial sustainability of the organization. Leo Hartz monitors health trends and medical advancements to inform the company's product development and service delivery strategies. Through expert clinical guidance, Hartz ensures that the company provides effective and accessible healthcare solutions, supporting the overall mission of improving health outcomes for individuals and families across the company's operating footprint.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Highmark Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Highmark?
    Highmark is led by Elise Ballard (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Neil Reece (Diversified Businesses Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Mary Tobin (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Highmark’s executive team?
    The executive team of Highmark includes leaders such as Elise Ballard (Chief Financial Officer), Neil Reece (Diversified Businesses Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Mary Tobin (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Highmark have?
    Highmark has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Highmark’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Highmark includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Diversified Businesses Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Of Staff To President Highmark Inc And Director Business And Operations Strategy Realization.