Independence Blue Cross (Independence) President and CEO and Independence Vice President of Community Affairs and Independence Blue Cross Foundation President Lorina Marshall-Blake were named to the City & State PA “Power of Diversity: Black 100” List.
The Power of Diversity list spotlights influential Black leaders who are shaping the future of the region and work to empower others.
The publication recognized Deavens as Independence’s first Black CEO. He joined Independence in 2016 and became president and CEO in 2021. Under Deavens’ leadership, Independence has continued its commitment to enable access to affordable, quality health care, drive innovation, and promote health equity. He serves several boards of directors, including as board chair of Hartford Healthcare and board treasurer for the Executive Leadership Council.
Marshall-Blake was recognized for her impactful work combatting health care disparities and the issues that underserved Philadelphian communities face. Marshall Blake has deep roots throughout the City of Philadelphia as a community affairs-driven professional. Under her direction, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation addressed the region’s opioid addiction as a top priority while also bolstering community health centers and the nursing workforce. To date, the Foundation has distributed more than $70 million in grantmaking, helping local nonprofits and many other organizations make a difference.
This is the second consecutive year Deavens and Marshall-Blake have been recognized on the Power of Diversity: Black 100 list.
The 2023 edition of City & State PA’s Power of Diversity: Black 100 was published on February 13.