CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield names new president and CEO

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield announced Kurt C. Small will be the health care organizations new president and CEO. CareFirst serves 3.5 million people across Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, as well as a broader national reach.

Small is currently the president of Medicaid for Elevance Health, a position he’s held for the past seven years. Previously, he’s also held executive roles across commercial and federal business segments. He also served in leadership roles with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Highmark after more than a decade of Aetna.

“I am honored to join CareFirst and build on its mission and long-standing commitment to the region,” Small said in a press release. “Together, with executive leaders and the passionate team of Difference Makers, we will build on CareFirst’s legacy and progress to make care simpler, more affordable and more equitable for the people and communities who depend on us to live full and healthy lives.”

With Elevance, Small led one of the country’s largest Medicaid businesses with approximately 8.5 million members.

“Kurt brings leadership, vision and deep regional understanding that will further strengthen CareFirst’s mission-driven approach,” CareFirst Board Chair Jeff DiLisi said. “At a strong moment for our company, our Board is confident Kurt’s operational expertise and commitment to better health will help CareFirst build on its momentum strengthening affordability, expanding access to care and delivering even greater impact for the people and communities we serve.”

Small replaces Brian D. Pieninck who stepped down from CareFirst in September after leading the organization since 2018. He left to become CEO of GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation.

Interim President and CEO Ja’Ron Bridges will work closely with the board and executive leadership team through the transition. He will then resume his role as the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Small earned his Bachelor of Arts from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Business Administration from the Yale School of Management.