Victor DeStefano Named President of Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Empire BlueCross
Oct 24,2023
Read Time 3 Minutes
New York native to lead the commercial business for the state’s largest health insurer
NEW YORK, NY – Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Empire BlueCross (Empire) today announced that Victor DeStefano has been named New York Commercial State Plan President.
“Victor’s New York roots run deep and he is perfectly suited to lead the Empire team as we remain steadfast in our mission to be a lifetime, trusted partner in health for all New Yorkers,” said Morgan Kendrick, Executive Vice President, Commercial and Specialty Health Benefits for Empire’s parent company. “Victor has a profound understanding of our members’ unique needs and is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable healthcare for all New York health plan members and employers.”
Victor joined Empire in 2019 as Regional Vice President and General Manager. He has spent the last four months leading the New York State plan as Interim President.
“I'm honored to lead Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Empire BlueCross here in my home state,” said DeStefano. “As a native New Yorker with experience across the state, I’m excited to apply my member-first approach and focus on improving access, quality, experience, outcomes, and affordability for all 3.5 million members we serve. With deep roots across New York, I’m committed to collaborating with key stakeholders to drive meaningful improvements in our healthcare system.”
DeStefano is a New York native, born and raised in Staten Island. He holds a bachelor’s in management from Binghamton University and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. DeStefano is active in the community as a mentor for American Corporate Partners, and most recently took on a junior board position with the nonprofit Breaking Ground. DeStefano has been instrumental in Empire’s initiative to establish a food pantry at Walter Weaver P.S. 398 in Brooklyn, taking action to directly tackle health issues within the community.
###
About Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Empire BlueCross in New York
Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Empire BlueCross (Empire) is on a mission to improve the health of New Yorkers. Empire is the largest health insurer in New York supporting more than four million members and more than 38,000 business, union, and small employers. Empire is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com.
# # #