PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 17, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, tonight accepted the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania's 2011 Civic Leadership Award at a reception attended by more than 150 area business executives. Presented annually since 1990, the award is one of the League's highest honors, recognizing recipients for their exemplary civic involvement and commitment to improving their communities.
"We are pleased to honor the accomplishments of this year's honoree, Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, who by her works exemplifies the League's mission of strengthening citizens and their communities through civic participation," stated League Chair Olivia Thorne. "Throughout her career, Lorina has helped encourage and educate citizens to become engaged in government and public policy. She's dedicated much of her professional career and her personal life to serving others as both a leader and mentor through her association with numerous civic and humanitarian causes."
In her acceptance remarks, Marshall-Blake recognized the League's leadership and efforts to impact public policy through citizen education and advocacy. "I treasure the opportunities I have been given during my life, but none more than the freedoms I have as an American to participate in our democratic government and to make my voice heard," said Marshall-Blake. "The League symbolizes to me and countless others the power of each individual and the force that people can create together, especially through grassroots activism. I'm honored and proud to receive this award."
Ms. Marshall-Blake was named president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation in October 2011. Prior to that, she served as vice president of Government Relations for Independence Blue Cross. Over her career, she has volunteered or served in a leadership role with more than 30 professional and civic organizations, including the United Negro College Fund, the Urban Affairs Coalition, the Governor's Patient Safety Authority, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, for which she now serves as president.
Past Civic Leadership award recipients include:
- Renee Amoore, president, The Amoore Group
- Mary Stengel Austen, president and CEO, Tierney
- David Cohen, executive vice president, Comcast Corporation
- Walter D'Alessio, vice chairman, NorthMarq Capital
- Rosemary Greco, chair, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Health Care Reform Implementation Advisory Committee
- Marcienne Mattleman, KYW Newsradio
- Judith M. von Seldeneck, chairman and CEO, Diversified Search
- Judith A. Wicks, former owner, White Dog Café, Philadelphia
- Charisse Lillie, president, Comcast Foundation
- Harold Yoh, III, chairman and CEO, Day & Zimmermann
About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Launched in October 2011, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation is an independent, private foundation whose mission is to transform health care through innovation in the communities it serves. The foundation complements and expands upon Independence Blue Cross's 73-year commitment to improving the health and wellness of the people of southeastern Pennsylvania. The foundation targets the following areas of impact:
- Caring for our most vulnerable: Supporting nonprofit health clinics that deliver quality, cost-effective care to uninsured and underinsured people.
- Enhancing health care delivery: Strengthening the nursing workforce through education, career development and research.
- Leading innovative approaches to health care: Supporting new and creative solutions that reduce health care spending, improve quality, and expand access to care.
About the League of Women Voters of PA
Celebrating 91 years, the League of Women Voters of PA provides a way for citizens to make a difference by becoming more informed about their communities, learning how to interface with public officials, and becoming involved in decisions that affect them and their families. League members choose issues, research and study information, reach a consensus, and take positions. Pennsylvanians may join the League through their web site: www.palwv.org