CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Appoints Lester Davis as Chief of Staff
Davis to lead the Office of the CEO, special projects, and strategic initiatives for the organization
BALTIMORE, M.D./WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), the largest not-for-profit health plan in the mid-Atlantic region, announced Lester Davis as Vice President, Chief of Staff, reporting directly to the President and CEO, Brian D. Pieninck.
In this role, Davis will collaborate with the CareFirst Executive Leadership Team, guiding strategic initiatives, leading special projects, and serving as an extension of the Office of the CEO. Davis will be charged with engaging internal and external stakeholders throughout the mid-Atlantic region to grow support for and expand CareFirst's mission of providing equitable, accessible, affordable and quality care.
"As a proven leader with a strategic mind and passion for making a positive impact, Lester has a drive that directly aligns with the difference-maker culture of CareFirst, and his unique skillset will advance our efforts to advocate for a more equitable healthcare system," Pieninck said. "Lester will play a critical role in leading and expanding our shared efforts to transform healthcare with and for the people we serve. I look forward to the perspective and energy he will bring to CareFirst to help further our mission."
Davis shared that he believes the work CareFirst is doing to better the health and wellness of all people, particularly marginalized communities, is critical to supporting the region. He said: "Throughout my career, my goal has been to work collaboratively with experts, policymakers, business and civic leaders, and members of the community to drive impact. CareFirst is the next step in this journey, and I am eager to further support the idea that people are CareFirst's greatest asset to help produce healthier outcomes that lead to fuller lives."
Most recently, Davis served as Vice President of Public Affairs at SKDK, a national firm responsible for managing persuasive and data-centered messaging to help leaders and organizations advance their mission, vision, and values. Before this role, he spent more than a decade serving within the Baltimore City government – most notably as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Mayor's office. During his time at City Hall, Davis fostered strong and constructive relationships across local, state, and federal governments and the many communities in the CareFirst service area.
Davis' unique experience across policymaking, government affairs and communications will help CareFirst identify and connect executive leadership to forums and partners to drive better health outcomes for the people and communities we serve.
In addition to his role with CareFirst, Davis serves as Clerk of the Board of Trustees for Friends School of Baltimore. Davis is originally from Washington, D.C. and currently resides in Baltimore, MD.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 85th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.6 million individuals and employers in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2021, CareFirst invested $26.2 million to improve overall health, and increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of healthcare throughout its market areas. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit our website at www.carefirst.com and our transforming healthcare page at www.carefirst.com/transformation, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.