Prime Highlights:
Lois Quam appointed as Blue Shield of California’s first female CEO.
Launch of nonprofit parent company Ascendiun to scale healthcare solutions.
Focus on reducing bureaucracy and improving healthcare affordability.
Key Background:
Blue Shield of California, headquartered in Oakland, announced a significant restructuring which includes the appointment of Lois Quam as the first-ever female CEO in the company’s 86-year history. Quam, who joined Blue Shield as president in 2024, succeeds Paul Markovich, the previous CEO, who will transition to the role of president at the newly established nonprofit parent company, Ascendiun. The restructuring aims to enhance the company’s healthcare offerings and improve affordability for its members.
Quam brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as the CEO of Pathfinder International, a global health organization focusing on women and girls, and holding key leadership positions during her 17-year tenure at UnitedHealth Group. At UnitedHealth, she led the company’s efforts in global health and oversaw significant Medicare and Medicaid operations. Quam’s extensive background in health care policy and management positions her to address the systemic challenges within the American healthcare system, particularly in California.
Kristina Leslie, chair of the Blue Shield board of directors, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing the healthcare crisis affecting both Californians and Americans nationwide. Quam echoed this sentiment, focusing on the challenges faced by members in making healthcare decisions amidst rising costs. As the only statewide nonprofit health plan in California, Blue Shield aims to improve accessibility and affordability, positioning itself as a key player in transforming healthcare experiences for its members. Alongside the leadership change, Blue Shield launched Ascendiun on January 1, 2025, a nonprofit parent company designed to scale innovative healthcare solutions. This new structure is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy while ensuring better outcomes for members. Additionally, Stellarus, a new Blue Shield-owned company, will focus on enhancing and sharing innovative healthcare solutions across the industry.
The leadership changes also include Susan Mullaney’s promotion to COO of Blue Shield. The company’s new direction aligns with its goal of reducing healthcare costs and enhancing care delivery, further evidenced by the 2024 agreement with Evio Pharmacy Solutions to provide an affordable biosimilar version of Humira, a popular drug for inflammatory conditions. This strategic restructuring marks a pivotal moment in Blue Shield of California’s evolution, with Quam’s leadership poised to drive meaningful change in the health insurance landscape.
