Highmark Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Highmark has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, marketing, strategy, technology, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to health and wellness, Highmark provides comprehensive insurance products and administrative services, impacting healthcare delivery across multiple states and serving diverse client needs.

Leadership Roles at Highmark

  • Chief Financial Officer - Carl Daley
  • Chief Operating Officer - Heather Cianfrocco
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Karen Hanlon
  • Chief of Staff & President, Office of - Manda Sanders
  • Chief of Staff & President, Office - Pamela Kinley
  • Chief Of Staff To President Highmark Inc And Director Business And Operations Strategy Realization - Joy Matoney
  • President, Blue Cross Blue Shield (Delaware) - Timothy Vessel
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Craig Riner
  • Chief Technology Officer, Provider Services - Paul Sikora
  • Chief Medical Officer - Leo Hartz
  • Carl Daley - Chief Financial Officer

    Carl Daley, the Chief Financial Officer at Highmark, manages the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Daley oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting activities, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance across Highmark's diverse operations. This critical role involves managing the financial performance of both the not-for-profit health insurer and its for-profit subsidiaries, including underwriting various insurance products. Carl Daley's financial oversight extends to the company's role as a Medicare contract administrator and its provision of claims adjudication services. The Chief Financial Officer is instrumental in guiding investment decisions, optimizing capital allocation, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability for Highmark. This executive's expertise supports strategic growth initiatives and maintains investor confidence through transparent financial management. Daley's leadership ensures the financial integrity necessary to support Highmark's mission of providing accessible healthcare solutions.
    Carl Daley

    Heather Cianfrocco - Chief Operating Officer

    Heather Cianfrocco, the Chief Operating Officer at Highmark, directs the operational execution of the company's extensive health insurance and administrative services. Overseeing daily operations, Cianfrocco ensures the efficient delivery of indemnity and managed care products for national, regional, and individual accounts. This leadership role involves optimizing claims adjudication processes and managing administrative services for a broad network of healthcare providers across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. Heather Cianfrocco drives operational excellence, focusing on enhancing service delivery and maintaining the integrity of Highmark's offerings. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to managing the integration of for-profit subsidiaries with the not-for-profit health insurer's core mission, ensuring seamless service for Medicare supplemental, dental, and long-term care insurance products. This executive ensures the smooth functioning of all operational departments, directly impacting customer satisfaction and provider relations.

    Karen Hanlon - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Karen Hanlon, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Highmark, holds significant responsibility for the company's operational performance and strategic execution. Hanlon oversees the day-to-day management of Highmark's extensive operations, ensuring the effective delivery of health insurance products and administrative services. This dual role involves driving operational efficiency across all segments, including national accounts, regional accounts, and individual policies, as well as specialized offerings like dental and vision insurance. Karen Hanlon's leadership ensures seamless claims adjudication and robust administrative support for healthcare providers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The President & Chief Operating Officer is key to implementing strategic initiatives that enhance member experience and provider partnerships. Hanlon's operational acumen is vital for maintaining Highmark's competitive position and fulfilling its commitment to accessible healthcare. This executive guides the integration of complex service offerings and operational improvements.

    Manda Sanders - Chief of Staff & President, Office of

    Manda Sanders, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Highmark, provides strategic support and operational leadership across key initiatives. Sanders works closely with executive leadership to drive strategic priorities and ensure alignment across departments. This role involves managing critical projects and facilitating communication between various business units, including the health insurance underwriting and administrative services divisions. Manda Sanders's responsibilities encompass enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the realization of business objectives. The Chief of Staff & President, Office of plays a pivotal part in coordinating efforts related to national, regional, and individual account management, as well as Medicare-related programs. Sanders ensures that strategic directives are effectively translated into actionable plans, contributing to Highmark's overall mission. This executive's influence extends to optimizing the delivery of diverse insurance products and services.

    Pamela Kinley - Chief of Staff & President, Office

    Pamela Kinley, the Chief of Staff & President, Office at Highmark, provides executive-level strategic guidance and operational coordination. Kinley supports the President's office by driving key organizational initiatives and ensuring cross-functional alignment. This position involves managing critical projects and facilitating communication to advance Highmark's business objectives, particularly in the areas of health insurance underwriting and provider services. Pamela Kinley's role is essential in streamlining operations and enhancing the effectiveness of Highmark's diverse product portfolio, including Medicare supplemental and long-term care insurance. The Chief of Staff & President, Office works to optimize administrative processes and support the strategic realization of Highmark's mission. Kinley's efforts contribute to the efficient management of relationships with hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare practitioners. This executive ensures strategic priorities are effectively implemented across the organization.

    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, spearheads the realization of business and operational strategies. Matoney works directly with the President to translate strategic visions into tangible operational outcomes, ensuring effective implementation across Highmark's health insurance and administrative services. This multifaceted role involves overseeing critical projects that enhance business processes and drive operational efficiency. Joy Matoney's responsibilities include ensuring the strategic alignment of various departments, from underwriting diverse insurance products to managing claims adjudication for healthcare providers. The Chief Of Staff To President Highmark Inc And Director Business And Operations Strategy Realization plays a crucial part in optimizing the company's operational framework. Matoney's focus on strategy realization directly supports Highmark's mission to provide accessible and comprehensive healthcare solutions. This executive ensures that strategic plans are effectively executed to achieve desired business results.

    Timothy Vessel - President, Blue Cross Blue Shield (Delaware)

    Timothy Vessel, the President, Blue Cross Blue Shield (Delaware) at Highmark, directs the strategic operations and market presence for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Delaware. Vessel oversees the delivery of comprehensive health insurance solutions tailored to the needs of individuals and employers within the state. This leadership role involves managing all aspects of the Blue Cross Blue Shield brand's operations in Delaware, ensuring alignment with Highmark's broader mission. Timothy Vessel's responsibilities include driving market growth, enhancing member services, and fostering strong relationships with healthcare providers and community stakeholders. The President, Blue Cross Blue Shield (Delaware) is key to implementing innovative strategies that improve healthcare access and affordability. Vessel's leadership ensures the continued success and reputation of Blue Cross Blue Shield in the Delaware market. This executive champions initiatives that support the health and well-being of Delaware residents.
    Timothy Vessel

    Craig Riner - Chief Marketing Officer

    Craig Riner, the Chief Marketing Officer at Highmark, directs the strategic marketing initiatives and brand management for the organization. Riner oversees the development and execution of comprehensive marketing campaigns designed to enhance Highmark's market presence and communicate the value of its diverse insurance products. This leadership position involves understanding market dynamics and consumer needs across national, regional, and individual account segments. Craig Riner's focus includes promoting Medicare supplemental, dental, and vision insurance offerings, as well as highlighting the company's administrative services for healthcare providers. The Chief Marketing Officer drives customer acquisition and retention strategies, ensuring brand consistency and positive public perception. Riner's efforts are crucial in positioning Highmark as a trusted health insurer and partner in healthcare delivery. This executive leads the charge in articulating Highmark's commitment to health and wellness through compelling market communications.
    Craig Riner

    Paul Sikora - Chief Technology Officer, Provider Services

    Paul Sikora, the Chief Technology Officer, Provider Services at Highmark, leads the technological strategy and infrastructure supporting provider operations. Sikora oversees the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions designed to enhance services for hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare practitioners. This role is critical in managing claims adjudication systems and other administrative platforms that facilitate efficient healthcare delivery. Paul Sikora's expertise ensures that Highmark's technological capabilities align with the evolving needs of its provider network across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. The Chief Technology Officer, Provider Services drives digital transformation initiatives, improving data management and operational workflows. Sikora's leadership is essential for maintaining Highmark's position as a reliable partner for healthcare providers. This executive champions technological advancements that streamline operations and improve service quality.

    Leo Hartz - Chief Medical Officer

    Leo Hartz, the Chief Medical Officer at Highmark, provides critical clinical leadership and strategic medical guidance for the organization. Hartz oversees the medical aspects of Highmark's health insurance products, ensuring that clinical policies and practices align with evidence-based medicine and patient well-being. This role involves advising on the development of managed care programs and the administration of Medicare supplemental benefits. Leo Hartz's medical expertise is vital in shaping Highmark's approach to healthcare quality and cost management across its service areas. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with provider networks to promote optimal health outcomes and enhance the effectiveness of clinical services. Hartz's insights are instrumental in navigating the complexities of healthcare delivery and ensuring that Highmark's offerings meet the highest clinical standards. This executive champions initiatives focused on population health and preventive care.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Highmark Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Highmark?
    Highmark is led by Carl Daley (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Heather Cianfrocco (Chief Operating Officer) and Karen Hanlon (President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Highmark’s executive team?
    The executive team of Highmark includes leaders such as Carl Daley (Chief Financial Officer), Heather Cianfrocco (Chief Operating Officer), Karen Hanlon (President & 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, Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff & President, Office of, Chief of Staff & President, Office.