CHICAGO – Today, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association announced Erin Barney as its new vice president of network solutions, effective immediately.

Barney will lead collaboration with the 34 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to develop, deliver and maintain creative and innovative network programs that fit members’ health care needs nationwide. She’ll oversee BCBS initiatives that deliver high-value products and solutions, measure the quality and cost of programs, and promote value-based care.

“The high-quality health care networks the Blues have across the country are designed to suit members and their individual health care needs and ensure care is as affordable as possible,” said Kari Hedges, senior vice president of market solutions at BCBSA. “With Erin’s leadership, we’ll be able to deliver greater, more equitable and personalized care to BCBS members, enabling them to better manage their health.”

Barney has more than 20 years of experience in health insurance and is joining BCBSA from Health Care Services Corporation—the fourth largest health insurance company in the United States. She has held multiple leadership positions at HCSC, most recently as vice president of market and network delivery and has served members in Texas and Illinois.

“Erin’s understanding of how local market needs vary by community paired with her established record of putting members first will enhance the health care experience for the more than 112 million Blue Cross and Blue Shield members we serve,” continued Hedges.

Barney is based in BCBSA’s Chicago office and holds a master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree from Augsburg College.