from staff
Jacksonville-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida announced Thursday that Patrick Geraghty was named CEO to succeed Dr. Robert Lufrano, effective Sept. 1.
The health insurer’s board of directors also plans to elect Geraghty as chair in September, Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a news release.
Geraghty has been serving as president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota since 2008 where he is also a member of its board of trustees and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation board.
He also serves on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Health Policy and Legislative Committee and is chair of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Diversity Council.
Blue Cross Blue Shield said Geraghty has more than 30 years of health industry experience and previously held senior leadership positions at Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey and Prudential Insurance Co.
Geraghty is a frequent speaker on a range of health care topics, including payment reform strategies, innovation in health care, prevention and wellness and health care reform, said the news release.
He is a graduate of Colgate University
“We are delighted that Pat will be joining BCBSF. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience and has been very successful in leading large, diversified businesses in complex markets,” said Tracy Leinbach, lead director of the board.
“Pat will continue the stewardship of our company with its focus on improving the health and well-being of our communities in Florida,” said Leinbach.
The release said a plan is being developed to ensure a smooth transition between Lufrano and Geraghty.
Lufrano announced his retirement earlier this year. “Pat is a wonderful individual and an excellent leader,” he said in the release.
“I have known and worked with Pat for a number of years and am confident that he, along with the strength of the leadership team and the employees, will continue to provide meaningful health solutions to our members”.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned, taxpaying mutual company. It is based in Jacksonville and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.