BOISE, Idaho – Today, Regence BlueShield of Idaho announced that Mark Ruszczyk has accepted the role of market president. In his new position, Ruszczyk will oversee strategy, growth and operations for the health plan that currently serves more than 257,000 people across the state. His selection was endorsed by Regence’s fiduciary board of directors comprised of Idaho physicians and experienced local business, community and academic leaders.
“I’m delighted to have someone of Mark’s caliber and character emerge from the field of remarkable local and national candidates who expressed interest in leading Regence forward,” said Regence BlueShield of Idaho Board Chair Lynn Hoffmann. “I have no doubt that under Mark’s leadership, we will accelerate our efforts to deliver better, simpler and more affordable health care for Idahoans.”
Ruszczyk brings broad and deep health insurance expertise as the new Idaho market president. Immediately prior to joining Regence, he served as head of marketing and sales with Kaiser Permanente in the mid-Atlantic states. Before that, Ruszczyk held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility for 18 years with leading Blues plans. Early in his career, he served with Aetna.
“I’m humbled and energized by the prospect of leading Regence BlueShield of Idaho, an organization well-known throughout our industry for innovative thinking, unwavering focus on serving members, and deep commitment to local communities for more than 75 years,” Ruszczyk said.
Ruszczyk earned a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University, and a bachelor’s in health care administration from the University of Connecticut School of Business. His first day as Regence BlueShield of Idaho president will be July 6.
Despite pandemic-related challenges, Regence BlueShield of Idaho grew membership in 2020, maintained its financial strength, and together with its corporate foundation and employees, contributed more than $2.1 million to benefit 112 different Idaho nonprofit organizations.
Community impact
Founded in 1946 in north-central Idaho, Regence employs more than 600 people in Boise, Lewiston, Pocatello and Coeur d’Alene, driving more than $68 million in annual economic activity throughout the state, according to ECONorthwest.
About Regence BlueShield of Idaho
Regence BlueShield of Idaho, based in Lewiston, has been serving Idahoans for 75 years. As a tax-paying nonprofit mutual insurance company and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Regence is part of a family of companies dedicated to transforming health care by delivering innovative products and services that change the way consumers in Idaho and nationwide experience health care. For more information, please visit regence.com, facebook.com/regenceblueshieldofidaho or twitter.com/regenceidaho.