Pictured left to right: Rev. Bonnie Camarda, The Salvation Army; Lt. Colonel Larry Ashcraft; Sheryl Lee Ralph; Lt. Colonel Janet Ashcraft; Steve Fera, Independence Blue Cross
Stephen P. Fera, executive vice president of Public Affairs and Government Markets for Independence Blue Cross (Independence), was one of four leaders honored by The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia at its annual Celebrate Hope luncheon on May 10 at the Crystal Tea Room.
Fera received the Others Award for exemplifying an extraordinary spirit of service to others and exceptional service to The Salvation Army and/or community.
Fera is a lifelong Philadelphian currently serving on the boards of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Public Health Management Corporation, Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education, the Public Affairs Council, and the YMCA of Greater Philadelphia. During his more than 33-year career at Independence, Fera has led efforts to improve public health and improve the lives of millions of Americans.
He leads government relations, along with community affairs and government markets for Independence. He has worked to forge public-private partnerships to improve access to care and to reduce disparities and influence public policy decisions.
Other honorees included actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, Pa. State Senator Vincent Hughes, and Romona Riscoe Benson of PECO.