Health Care Service Corp. said Tuesday its president, Maurice Smith, will add the title of CEO effective June 1. The company owns Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.
Smith, 48, will succeed David Lesar, who was the interim CEO. Lesar will remain a member of the company’s board.
Lesar said he is “pleased that Maurice will lead HCSC at this critical time for the company and our country as we continue to work through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maurice has deep industry experience and a proven track record of strong leadership, and he recognizes the challenges we must confront, and the opportunities we have now to advance our purpose.”
A former president of Blue Cross Illinois, Smith has worked for HCSC for 27 years, starting as an intern. He said he will continue to work to expand access to quality, cost-effective health care.
With nearly 16 million customers, HCSC also owns Blue Cross health plans in Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
