Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Named 2019 Diversity Star by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber

BATON ROUGE, La. — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana was honored with the large business 2019 Diversity Star Award by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) at its annual Diversity in Business luncheon on May 7, 2019. 

Rod Teamer, director, Diversity Programs and Business Development, accepted the award on behalf of Blue Cross. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has steadily increased its commitment to Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) over the past several years,” said Teamer. “Most recently, the leadership and support of our President and CEO Dr. Steve Udvarhelyi has allowed us to implement enhanced D&I programming that will help our company be more competitive and a model for others for years to come.”

According to BRAC, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana was selected for “demonstrated excellence in its diversity and inclusion practices, highlighted by the implementation of an organization-wide diversity and inclusion initiative.” Within that initiative, D&I training is required of all employees, including senior leaders and board members. The initiative has also proven effective in creating and growing the company’s employee resource groups and building a framework for partnering with businesses owned by women, veterans, and minorities.

BRAC created the Diversity Star Award with a goal of highlighting exceptional business practices taking place in the Capital Region that leverage the value of diversity in organizations. The award seeks to honor and recognize regional businesses that have championed diversity and inclusion at their businesses or in the community. Any business in the nine-parish Capitol Region can apply for the award. One winner is selected in both a small and large business category. 

“Reading through the applications for this award is inspiring,” said Cheri Ausberry, chair of BRAC’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and director of community development for Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. “Our region’s corporate citizens are implementing innovative and intentional strategies to champion diversity and inclusion, and we could not be more thrilled to recognize both Lighthouse Louisiana and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana for the work they are doing in their organizations. The Capital Region is stronger because of forward-thinking businesses like these.”

For more on Blue Cross’ commitment to diversity watch a short video (1:15) featuring Teamer.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is committed to our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. We invest both time and money in the communities we serve, supporting the health and wellbeing of Louisianians through more than 200 charitable organizations.

With our subsidiaries, HMO Louisiana and Southern National Life, we provide group and individual health insurance plans, life and disability insurance, group voluntary products and administrative services to one out of four Louisiana residents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana also provides Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans and is a partner in offering the Healthy Blue Medicaid Managed care plan. Louisiana is the only state where we operate, with offices in every major region to serve our customers.

Founded in New Orleans in 1934, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is a tax-paying non-profit health insurer. We are a private mutual company, owned by our policyholders, with an independent Louisiana Board of Directors and no shareholders. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

To learn more, visit our website at www.bcbsla.com. 

About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,500 small businesses, midsize firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.