Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield announces promotions of two long-tenured leaders

Buffalo, N.Y. (September 18, 2023) — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield announced the appointment of Sue Gannon to the position of vice president of contracting and relations and Mark Walter to director of sales and client management.

Sue Gannon, vice president of contracting and relations for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, will lead the health plan’s contract strategy in addition to continuing her role as primary liaison with Highmark’s trusted provider network.

Prior to her new role Gannon served as director, provider experience, where she was instrumental in advancing the company’s strategy for physician and provider communications. In her elevated role, she will build upon the many provider relationships that she has established to continue to move the health plan’s Living Health strategy forward to bring better value and improved health to the communities it serves.

Previously, Gannon served as executive director for Optimum Physician Alliance (OPA), and in other progressive leadership roles with the Blues, including positions in Operations, Individual Market, and as special assistant to the Executive Leadership Team.

Gannon is a proud graduate of Canisius University, where she earned an MBA and of St. Bonaventure University, where she earned a bachelor’s of business administration in accounting. She is an America’s Health Insurance Plan (AHIP) Certified Health Insurance Executive (CHIE), and a dynamic leader with a variety of certifications from Kellogg Executive Education, Cornell University, Canisius University and the Disney Institute.

Mark Walter, director of sales and client management for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, will oversee the health plan’s senior client management and large group new sales teams.

Walter brings a wealth of experience in technical sales for insured and self-funded clients, ancillary lines, new client implementations, client management and broker partnerships. He has been with the health plan for 16 years, and throughout this time, has advanced through progressive sales roles.

Walter boasts over 25 years of experience in the volunteer fire service, having held numerous leadership positions during his tenure. He currently serves as assistant chief to Clarence Center’s Fire Company.

Mark was a founding member of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Business Leaders program, is a graduate of Leadership Buffalo Rising Leaders, and previously served on the board of the National Association of Health Underwriters. He is also a proud graduate of Canisius University.