CHICAGO – Kathy Paro, a health care executive with over two decades of industry experience, has been named the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) new vice president of Strategic Execution and Partnerships, effective January 29.

“Kathy is a terrific addition to the team,” said Sean Robbins, BCBSA’s executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer. "Her industry experience combined with her track record of making things happen supports our bold mission to bring lasting change to the people we are privileged to serve across America. Her expertise will be instrumental in driving results and fostering partnerships that make health care better for everyone.” 

In her role, Paro will spearhead the implementation of key initiatives in priorities areas like health equity and mental health. Additionally, she will play a pivotal role in establishing and managing strategic external partnerships that align with BCBSA’s commitment of improving health outcomes for all Americans.

Before joining BCBSA, Paro served as senior vice president at Guidewell Connect, where she provided necessary oversight for the delivery and client management of consumer engagement services to 18 Blue Cross Blue Shield plan partners. She was responsible for driving sales, community education and continuous improvement initiatives.

Paro also held leadership positions at Healogics, Hospital & Physician Services, and Inova Health System, and spent 15 years at Aetna in various roles conducting merger and acquisition integration, strategic contracting and planning, and small group sales and distribution.

Paro holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Master of Science in human resource management/organizational development from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.