Independence Blue Cross (Independence) Supplier Diversity Director Chuck Stefanosky was honored as a 2022 Top 25 Diversity Change Leader by DiversityPlus Magazine. The 25 leaders chosen for this recognition were selected for advancing supplier inclusion, sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organizations in a significant, effective, durable, and measurable way. This includes building relationships, developing, and implementing strategies, and – at times – changing the way business is done.
In his role as Independence’s first supplier diversity director, Stefanosky develops and executes strategies that build on the company’s 30+ year commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Most recently, his accomplishments include:
- Launching and furthering the Independence Networking Group, a consortium of 10 Black-owned regional businesses. Working together with these organizations, Stefanosky has invited other corporations to engage with the group and develop opportunities for new contracts.
- Championing and establishing a zero-day payment policy on contracts with diverse suppliers. This ensures the suppliers are compensated swiftly for their work, freeing up their cash flow to pursue further opportunities.
Stefanosky, who previously held the title of director Strategic Sourcing and Procurement at Independence, is a sought-after advisor and speaker on best-in-class supplier diversity programs. Over the course of his two decades with Independence, he has helped advance diverse businesses and further the company’s longstanding supplier diversity program.
Over the past 10 years, Independence has spent more than $1 billion with businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA community.