Wellmark announces Cory Harris as Chief Operating Officer

DES MOINES, IA – Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced that Cory Harris has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective Sept. 1, 2018. Harris has been a Senior Leader and Officer at Wellmark since 2011 when he joined as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. In 2017, Harris took on the role of Chief Administrative and Legal Officer. In this role, he led Wellmark’s key enterprise functions including technology, operations (claims, customer service, membership and enrollment), human resources, legal, compliance, corporate governance, and government relations/public policy activities. As COO, Harris will add finance as well as health care innovation and business development to his current responsibilities.

“Having spent the majority of my career shaping policy and improving operational efficiencies in health care, I am excited for this new opportunity,” said Harris. “This is a pivotal time in health care and I look forward to helping guide Wellmark’s mission to improving the health and well-being of Iowans and South Dakotans.”

Prior to joining Wellmark, Harris spent 11 years with Iowa’s largest law firm, Nyemaster Goode, P.C., representing various health insurance clients (including Wellmark) in areas such as provider agreements, antitrust, fraud and abuse, licensing, Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA (privacy and security), compliance programs, and other legislative and regulatory issues.

“Cory has great experience and believes in our company mission,” said John Forsyth, Wellmark Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “He has been a key leader in driving strategy and operational efficiency while ensuring the organization remains focused on reducing the rate of increase in health care costs.”

Cory Harris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Business Administration degree and Juris Doctor from Drake University, where he graduated with high honors and Order of the Coif.