Tim Vines, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, has been elected to serve as chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) Board of Directors.

According to BCBSA, Vines will assume oversight of the national federation, which consists of 35 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies. Presently, one and three Americans are covered under health care insurance provided by BCBS.

Vines, an industry professional with over 27 years of service to BCBS of Alabama, expressed excitement over the opportunity to lead the national federation.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as chair of the BCBSA Board,” proclaimed Vines. “I look forward to partnering with my colleagues as we continue the Association’s progress of providing all Americans access to quality, affordable health care.”

Today, @BCBSofAlabama CEO Tim Vines was elected chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Board of Directors. As chair, he'll lead BCBSA’s governing body, which provides strategic guidance and oversight for the Association. Read more: https://t.co/QiogxWA6Kn pic.twitter.com/8NcUPYSRYV

— Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (@BCBSAssociation) November 17, 2021

Vines has served in multiple leadership capacities with the health coverage provider. These include holding roles such as president and chief operating officer, chief administrative officer, senior vice president of business operations, and senior vice president of health management.

He currently serves on the boards of Auburn University and Samford University, as well as Regions Financial Corporation and the Business Council of Alabama.

Vines ascends to the position of board chair, which was formerly occupied by Highmark Health president and CEO David L. Holmberg, who was elected in 2019.

BCBSA president and CEO Kim Keck heaped praise upon Vines and indicated that the new board chair would further elevate the insurance provider’s standing in the industry.

“I greatly appreciate David’s exceptional leadership in helping to navigate an unprecedented global health crisis and sharpening our focus on driving health equity,” advised Keck. “I am thrilled to welcome Tim into his new role and have every confidence that under his guidance, we’ll be well-positioned to advance and expand the critical work already underway.”

Holmberg asserted that Vines, through his role as head of the association’s board, would hold a positive impact on BCBS and the health insurance industry as a whole.

“It has been an honor to lead the board and serve the more than 111 million Americans covered by BCBS companies,” declared Holmberg. “I wish Tim the very best and know he will make incredible contributions in shaping the future of the Blue System and industry at large.”

BCBS of Alabama is the largest health benefits provider in the state, as the company provides coverage to more than 2.8 million individuals. Additionally, the Birmingham-headquartered health insurance provider holds over 3,300 employees.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL