Philadelphia, PA – Independence Blue Cross (Independence) today announced that Somesh Nigam, senior vice president and chief informatics officer, has received the 2015 Multicultural Leadership Award from the National Diversity Council (NDC). The award was presented at the 6th Annual Philadelphia Diversity and Leadership Conference, an event encouraging individuals to network and grow their shared knowledge of diversity and leadership.
As chief informatics officer, Nigam leads Independence’s Informatics division, which is responsible for cutting-edge data initiatives, research collaborations, and academic partnerships that help drive innovation and improve the quality of care. As a result of his success, he was named “Emerging Executive of the Year” by the Philadelphia Business Journal in 2013.
Prior to joining Independence, Nigam was vice president of health care informatics, scientific, and clinical affairs for the Medical Device and Diagnostics Division at Johnson & Johnson. He holds a Ph.D. and a Master of Science degree in biochemical engineering from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and an undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur, India.
The NDC is the first non-profit organization to bring together the private, public, and non-profit sectors to discuss the many dimensions and benefits of a multicultural environment. The NDC serves as an umbrella organization supporting statewide and regional affiliates, which foster an understanding of diversity and inclusion as a dynamic strategy for business success and community well-being.
The Multicultural Leadership Award is designed to recognize individuals of color who have made a difference through their achievements, exemplify the ability to excel in their field and who demonstrate the determination needed to make a difference.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 10 million people in 24 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. For nearly 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Media contact
Ruth Stoolman
Independence Blue Cross
215-241-4807 (office)
ruth.stoolman@ibx.com