PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independence Blue Cross has promoted Stephen P. Fera to the newly created position of senior vice president of public affairs. Fera had served as vice president of government programs.
Fera will lead Independence Blue Cross's newly expanded efforts on government affairs, health policy matters, and community affairs. Fera will continue to report to Paul Tufano, executive vice president, general counsel, and president of government markets.
"Steve has been vital to our team and has shown tremendous leadership in managing the company's government business market during a challenging health care environment," said Tufano. "As he takes charge of public affairs for IBC, we look forward to his continued leadership in meeting the changing needs of our business and enriching the health of our community."
As senior vice president for public affairs, Fera will lead state and federal legislative and government activities and manage public policies focused on health care issues, specifically those related to health care reform. He will also oversee the staff of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, which launched on October 6.
Since joining Independence Blue Cross in 1990, Fera has held executive-level positions in government business. Fera represents Independence Blue Cross to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, legislators, advocates, and the community-at-large on contract and program policy issues.
Fera holds a B.S. and an M.B.A. in finance from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He is a member of the Drexel University School of Nursing Advisory Board, St. Joseph's Preparatory School Alumni Board of Governors, Villanova University College of Nursing Board of Consultors, and a board member of the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC). Fera is also a fellow with America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and a graduate of its executive leadership program.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. More information about Independence Blue Cross is available at http://www.ibx.com/">www.ibx.com.