Pictured left to right: Greg Deavens, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross; Twana Harris, vice president, diversity, equity, and inclusion of Independence Blue Cross; Crystal Ashby, executive vice president, chief people, DEI, and communications officer of Independence Blue Cross; Peter Jones, Director, Enterprise Learning & Development of Independence Blue Cross; Elissa Nolan, manager, associate communications of Independence Blue Cross; Joe Rosenblatt, manager, human resources information solutions, Independence Blue Cross
At the annual HR Department of the Year Awards, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) President and CEO Gregory E. Deavens was honored with the CEO of the Year Award. The awards ceremony took place on November 16 at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia.
This award honors a CEO who values human resources, is a role model for the values of the organization and fosters a great place to work culture.
Deavens was introduced by former President and CEO of Independence and Vice Chair of the Independence Board of Directors Joseph A. Frick. In his remarks, Deavens highlighted Independence’s strengths within HR and offered advice to others. He emphasized the importance of empowering Human Resources professionals and company leaders. This includes building working relationships with leaders and employees alike. Here, he saluted Crystal Ashby, EVP, chief people, DEI, and communications officer and highlighted the work of the Independence HR department she leads. Deavens called out that the work of the Independence HR team is data driven, reflective of the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and energized by active engagement of associates.