Independence Health Group (Independence) announced that Michael Vennera was promoted to executive vice president and chief strategy, corporate development, and information officer, effective immediately. He most recently was senior vice president and chief information officer at Independence. Vennera joined the company nearly 25 years ago and has held several leadership roles across Informatics, Information Systems, and Operations, including vice president of Strategy and Innovation.
“Executing our corporate strategy, creating opportunities to drive growth, and being agile while remaining true to our mission and vision requires thoughtful and dynamic leadership. That’s why I’m pleased to have Mike take on these increased responsibilities. I am confident his insight and expertise will position us for the next level of growth and advancing our vision and mission,” said Gregory E. Deavens, president and chief executive officer at Independence.
In his most recent position, Vennera was responsible for Independence’s Information Services, Business Transformation, and Informatics divisions, as well as executing business technology strategy and innovation efforts. He has overseen numerous technology initiatives, including the launch of new members, sales, and provider portals, increasing cybersecurity measures, developing new resources to better serve associates’ technology needs, and strengthening the company’s focus on informatics in collecting and analyzing data to address algorithmic bias.
Vennera has also been instrumental in expanding Independence’s organizational focus on innovation. His achievements include driving the company’s culture and capabilities program and spearheading the company’s role as a founding partner of the B. PHL Innovation Festival, a citywide innovation event launched in 2019 which has attracted a global audience.
“The last two-plus decades with Independence have been integral to my professional and personal growth, which speaks volumes of the company’s talented, forward-thinking leaders and our dedicated team of associates,” said Vennera. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to further advance my career at a company that is so deeply committed to its associates and the communities it serves. I look forward to this new leadership role and identifying more innovative ways we can positively impact equitable whole-person health for our members.”
Vennera is executive sponsor of the Future Blue Leaders associate resource group. Last year, he chaired the Executives with Heart group for the Philadelphia region and served on the Corporate Committee of the Franklin Institute Awards. He is active on the boards for Brighter Horizon, which supports first-generation college students and their families, and Quil, a joint venture between Independence and Comcast that offers personalized and interactive health journeys for consumers and their caregivers. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in information systems.
Media contact:
Grant Gegwich
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Grant.Gegwich@ibx.com