Regence BlueShield welcomes Mary Kay O'Neill, M.D., M.B.A., as new Executive Medical Director

SEATTLE — Regence BlueShield has named Mary Kay O’Neill, M.D., M.B.A., as executive medical director for the state of Washington. Based in Seattle, Dr. O’Neill will work with key employers and network providers to enhance the quality and affordability of care for Regence members in Washington.

 

Dr. O’Neill is well known in the Washington community. She joins Regence after serving as chief medical officer for Cigna’s Pacific Northwest region for the past six years where she was instrumental in building relationships with providers, customers and community organizations. Prior to that, she was the associate medical director of the Uniform Medical Plan (UMP). Dr. O’Neill began her career at Virginia Mason Medical Center as a physician in the area of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She continues to serve as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington, School of Medicine.

 

“Dr. O’Neill’s unique skills and experience, and her knowledge of, and strong relationships in, the Washington market will be instrumental as we prepare for the many upcoming changes and opportunities in our business,” said Richard Popiel, M.D., M.B.A., executive vice president of Health Care Services and chief medical officer for Regence. “We couldn’t ask for a more thoughtful and caring physician executive to join the team to create a more affordable, transparent and sustainable health system in Washington.”

 

Dr. O’Neill received her medical degree from the University of Washington Medical School. She earned both a master’s of business administration and a master’s degree in rehabilitation from the University of Washington. Active in professional and civic associations, Dr. O’Neill has served on the Board of Directors for the Washington Physician Health Plan, Kids Chance of Washington, Washington Vaccine Association and on the Board of Trustees for Washington State Medical Association.

 

Regence BlueShield is a leading health plan in Washington with more than one million members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest / Intermountain Region, serving more than 2.2 million members as Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington), Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah. Each plan is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence is committed to improving the health of our members and our communities, and to transforming our health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com or www.twitter.com/RegenceWA.