Christine Higgins Named Vice President of Underwriting at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut

NORTH HAVEN, Conn., Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Christine Higgins has been named vice president of underwriting at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut.

"Christine has a proven record of building strong teams and delivering results.  Most recently, Christine served as Director of Sales for our public sector sales team and has been an important part of developing and promoting our highly successful Anthem Alliance program for public sector customers," said David R. Fusco, president Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "I am excited to see Christine move into this important role and I am confident that she will serve as a strong leader in this extremely dynamic healthcare environment."  

Higgins began her career at Anthem in 1991 when she served an internship with the Corporate Planning Department as part of her post-graduate course study. She joined the company officially in 1992 after she received her MBA from the University of Connecticut, from which she also holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. 

Over the past 19 years, Higgins has held a variety of increasingly responsible positions within the Health Benefits Analysis, and Major and Commercial Accounts Underwriting, and Sales departments. Most recently, Christine served as Director of Sales for Anthem's public sector sales teams, where she was accountable for managing a team of 16 professional sales executives to deliver distinctive service and achieve membership goals.  She served as chair for the Municipal Advisory Council ensuring that sales strategies, products and marketing strategies aligned with public sector marketplace demands.  

"I am truly honored to be appointed to vice president of underwriting at Anthem in Connecticut," said Christine Higgins.  "It's a challenging and stimulating position, and it's an interesting time to lead. I am grateful for this promotion, which provides me with new opportunities for growth and change both in the company and within the industry."

Higgins has been an active leader with Anthem's employee "culture teams," which provide volunteer and financial support to a number of worthy not-for-profit agencies and causes in the community.  Her volunteer commitments also include supporting United Way agencies in her local community.  Higgins was the recent recipient of Business New Haven's Rising Stars award. The award is presented annually to business professionals in the Greater New Haven area who have distinguished themselves by their contribution and leadership in the workplace.

Higgins lives in Stratford, Conn., with her husband John and their children Connor and Tyler. 

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut is available at www.anthem.com.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut