Author(s)

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  Ellen Sexton

  Executive Vice President, Chief Growth Officer

  Ellen Sexton is executive vice president, chief growth officer at Blue Shield of California, a nonprofit health plan with more than $27 billion in annual revenue, serving 6 million members in the state’s commercial, individual and government markets. In this role, Sexton oversees growth and performance of all lines of business for Blue Shield — including employer-sponsored plans, individual and family plans, Medicare and Medi-Cal — with a goal to provide more people with access to quality care that is sustainably affordable. Sexton is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in health care and a proven track record of delivering growth, driving organizational transformation and developing high performing businesses. She is highly collaborative and forward-thinking, with a passion for tackling challenges across the healthcare system. Prior to joining Blue Shield, Sexton served as chief operating officer at Curative where she helped to launch a first-of-its-kind employer-based health insurance plan. As chief operating officer of Humana’s Group business, Sexton also led the growth platform for 15 million medical, dental, vision and life members. Previously, as CEO for the UnitedHealthcare Wisconsin Medicaid Health Plan, Sexton helped to gain recognition for clinical innovation. Within UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare business, she successfully transitioned state and employer group retiree healthcare programs, and launched a Part D prescription drug program, enrolling 5 million members. Sexton holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. She was appointed to the Wisconsin Governor’s Health Equity Council in 2020 and is the President of the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation board of directors. She is a proud hockey mom, enjoys playing golf and is a dedicated Fantasy Football player. She enjoys travel and music of all genres.