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Blue KC seeks a new CEO [The Kansas City Star :: ](Kansas City Star (MO) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Aug. 25--David Gentile, who led Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City during the last four turbulent years of health insurance reforms, has retired, the company announced Monday. Back-related health problems were cited as the reason for Gentile's departure from the position of president and chief executive officer. Danette Wilson, who has worked in leadership positions in the Kansas City office for more than 25 years, will serve as interim president and CEO. She has been Blue KC's group executive for external operations and its chief marketing executive. Wayne Powell, chief of staff, said a committee of the Blue KC board will undertake a national search for someone to succeed Gentile. Gentile took the top job at Blue KC in December 2010, succeeding Tom Bowser when Bowser retired. Gentile said he was "retiring early so I can focus on my own health and spend more time with my family." He said he was "confident the organization has a firm foundation to grow and thrive." Under Gentile's leadership, the company received J.D. Power and Associates awards for "highest member satisfaction" in 2012 and 2013. Before becoming CEO, Gentile was Blue KC's executive vice president. He had been with the company since 1991. Tom McCullough, Blue KC's chairman of the board, said Gentile's leadership "made a positive, lasting impact on the organization." To reach Diane Stafford, call 816-234-4359 or send email to [email protected]. ___ (c)2014 The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.) Visit The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.) at www.kansascity.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |