Lois Quam Named First Ever Female CEO of Blue Shield of California

• Blue Shield of California announces 1^st Female CEO
• Lois Quam becomes New CEO
• The firm reveals new corporate structure

In a recent announcement in January, Blue Shield of California revealed its new CEO as well as chief operating officer alongside a new parent company as part of a broad restructuring. In addition, Lois Quam will be taking the position of CEO.

Headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California was founded in the year 1939 in San Francisco, catering in the Insurance industry with specialities in Not-for-profit California Health Plan, health insurance, and access to health care.

A seasoned leader Lois Quam becomes the first ever female CEO of this organisation. Joining in 2024, Lois initially served as the president, later getting promoted to new position. Prior to joining here, she was working with Pathfinder International as the Chief Executive Officer for more than 7 years and at The Nature Conservancy as Chief Operating Officer for 2 years. One more significant organisation of her career experience includes U.S. Department of State where she worked as the Special Advisor for over 3 years. UnitedHealth Group is another organisation where Lois has spent 17 years of her professional life, working as President and CEO, Public and Senior Markets.

Blue Shield of California board of directors’ chair Kristina Leslie stated, “The health care crisis threatens the livelihoods of every Californian and all Americans. We are not waiting for the system to fix itself. We are taking action.”

Lois added, “I am focused on the challenges facing our members in every corner of our state, who gather at their kitchen tables and wrestle with their health care decisions and whether they can afford them. As the only statewide nonprofit health plan, we can help make those conversations — and their lives — better.”