Annual list recognizes industry leaders shaping the region
Two Independence Blue Cross (Independence) executives were recently named on the Philadelphia Business Journal 2021 “Power 100” list: Gregory E. Deavens, Independence president and CEO, and Lorina Marshall-Blake, vice president of Community Affairs at Independence and president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.
The Power 100 list spotlights people with the most impact in shaping the future of the Philadelphia region. Decided by Philadelphia Business Journal’s editorial team, business and community leaders on the list are selected in part for carving a path forward and creating new opportunities for growth in their industries in the region. The list does not include elected officials.
Deavens became Independence CEO in January 2021. Prior to taking the helm, he served as executive vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer for Independence where he directed all financial functions for the company including the company’s recent purchase of its corporate headquarters building at 1901 Market Street. He has pledged to continue Independence’s legacy of enabling access to affordable quality health care, driving innovation, and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Under Marshall-Blake’s leadership for the last nine years, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation has addressed the region’s opioid addiction epidemic as a top priority while also bolstering community health centers and the nursing workforce. The Foundation launched the Supporting Treatment and Overdose Prevention (STOP) initiative to respond to the drug and opioid increase and support sustainable community-based solutions for the problem.
Deavens and Marshall-Blake appeared in a special “Power 100” publication issued on February 26, 2021. The list is presented in alphabetical order and is not a ranking.
The Philadelphia Business Journal is a weekly paper and daily website providing local business news to southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. The Power 100 list can be viewed here. A slideshow of the honorees can be viewed here. (Note: A subscription may be needed to view the list and slideshow).