Highmark Blue Shield to name Kenneth Lawrence Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Southeastern Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA (November 29, 2023) — Highmark Blue Shield announced that Ken Lawrence will be named senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Southeastern Pennsylvania effective January 1, as Highmark strengthens its statewide presence and community-focused service by offering a wide range of health insurance solutions in Southeastern Pennsylvania starting in 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ken to help support our efforts as we expand our health insurance offerings in Southeastern Pennsylvania beyond our diverse portfolio of businesses, including United Concordia Dental, HM Insurance Group, the Federal Employee Program and Medicaid,” said Dan Onorato, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer of Highmark Health. “Ken has a proven track record of success in the Philadelphia region, while being a life-long resident and well-known leader in the area. We are looking forward to having him lead our Corporate Affairs initiatives.”

Lawrence will join a growing list of locally-based Highmark leaders in Southeastern Pennsylvania that have been assembled to build upon existing relationships to deliver better healthcare outcomes across the Commonwealth, including local segment president Dan Tropeano.

In this role, Lawrence will guide a comprehensive strategy that advances Highmark’s commitment to Southeastern Pennsylvania communities and strengthens its local presence.

Lawrence will join Highmark with an established track record of serving and improving communities across the Commonwealth through roles at Temple University, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Merck & Co., and his founded consulting firm, Public Affairs Strategies. He currently serves as chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, the legislative and executive arm of Pennsylvania’s third-largest county. Lawrence earned his BA from Temple University and a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania.

A dedicated community servant in the Southeastern Pennsylvania market, Lawrence currently serves as vice chair of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board of Directors, chair of the Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board and treasurer of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. He also serves on the boards of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association and Schuylkill River Development Corporation.

He formerly served as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region, Committee of Seventy, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), and Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“I am honored to join Highmark in their mission to transform health care in Southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Lawrence. “Highmark is dedicated to creating remarkable health experiences, and I am proud to take part in cultivating healthier communities in this region and beyond.”