Priest is deputy director of Idaho Department of Insurance

BOISE – Regence BlueShield of Idaho announced today that Shad Priest, deputy director of the Idaho Department of Insurance, will be joining Regence as the director of legislative and regulatory affairs in Idaho. Priest will begin his new role on August 15.

“Shad’s strong background in insurance, coupled with his experience in working with legislators, industry members and the public on insurance-related matters will make him a valuable member of our team,” said Scott Kreiling, president of Regence BlueShield of Idaho. “He has a track record of developing consensus-based regulatory policies that blend consumer needs and insurance industry priorities, which is especially important in a post health care reform world.”

Priest has been with the Department of Insurance for fifteen years. His responsibilities range from providing oversight to the Department’s Consumer Services Bureau, developing effecting partnerships with the legislature and key stakeholders on all matters involving insurance regulation, to directing the Department’s criminal fraud enforcement efforts.

A long-time resident of the Boise area, Priest holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gonzaga University. He also earned a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of Denver. 

Priest will be replacing Tim Olson, a fifteen-year Regence employee retiring later this year.

About Regence BlueShield of Idaho
Regence BlueShield of Idaho is a leading health plan in Idaho with more than 170,000 members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest / Intermountain Region, serving nearly 2.5 million members as Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). 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/RegenceIdaho.