Boise, Idaho – Regence BlueShield of Idaho is continuing to strengthen its business development capabilities with the addition of Kelly J. Carew as Manager of New Sales. Carew returns to the Northwest after a five-year stint with Starbucks in Boston where he served as region manager and business development manager. Prior to that, he was director of sales operations for Premera Blue Cross in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, where he implemented a systemwide sales and channel management strategy, including the centralization of incentive payment administration and broker contracting. 

Earlier in his career, Carew spent a decade in increasingly responsible positions with Baxter Healthcare Corporation – beginning as a sales representative before rising to the position of region manager where he held P&L responsibility for a $34.7 million distribution region.

“I’m thrilled to be back home in the Northwest, and excited to join what I consider to be the most innovative health plan in the region. The team here in Idaho is world-class, our offerings are distinctive and the business community here has already proven to be highly receptive to the unique value proposition Regence BlueShield offers them,” said Carew.

“The broad and deep healthcare and retail experience Kelly has will serve him – and our company and customers – well in this time of change in our industry. His insights and leadership will add a lot to the team’s efforts,” said Scott Kreiling, market president of Regence BlueShield of Idaho. 

Carew has a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was a Captain in the U.S. Army.

(Note to editors – photo available)

About Regence BlueShield of Idaho

Regence BlueShield of Idaho is a leading health plan in Idaho with more than 150,000 members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence BlueShield of Idaho is a nonprofit mutual insurance company and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence BlueShield of Idaho is affiliated with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). Together, the companies serve more than two million members in the Northwest/Intermountain Region. The Regence affiliated companies are committed to improving the health of its members and communities and to transforming the health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com or www.twitter.com/RegenceIdaho.