Highmark Names Keith Payet Head of Government Business Segment

Accomplished health care executive will oversee multi-market Medicaid, D-SNP, Medicare, CHIP and Affordable Care Act lines of business

PITTSBURGH  (June 8, 2026) — Highmark Inc., the third largest overall Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated organization in the country with nearly eight million members, today announced the appointment of Keith Payet as Government Business Segment President. Highmark’s government business portfolio includes core products such as Medicare Advantage, Individual Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, Dual Special Needs, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans across the regional footprint of Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Highmark serves more than 1.3 million people in its government-sponsored health insurance plans.

In his new role, Payet will lead the strategic direction and transformation of the segment to address, among other things, recent federal legislation impacting member eligibility and reimbursements, positioning the organization for continued government business growth and financial sustainability. Additionally, he is accountable for establishing and maintaining strategic relationships within the footprint, including federal and state agencies, key health systems and providers, vendors and community organizations.

An accomplished healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale Medicaid, Medicare, Compliance, and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) organizations and initiatives, Payet has consistently led organizations through complex transformations, including significant business expansions and strategic reconfigurations. Notably, as CEO for the Tennessee and Kentucky markets at UnitedHealthcare Community and State, he developed and implemented broad strategies that optimized efficiency and affordability for large-scale operations. His leadership has frequently resulted in successful new program launches and substantial market share growth, showcasing his ability to drive impactful change.

In his most recent role as CEO for UnitedHealthcare Community and State's Washington Market, Payet led the Medicaid and Medicare lines of business, where he guided market expansion, improved quality outcomes and re-established profitability.

“We are thrilled to bring Keith on board in this critical role,” said Tom Doran, president, Highmark Health Plan. “We are navigating a period of considerable change across many government plans, including ACA, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid. Keith's exceptional 25-year track record in leading large-scale Medicaid, Medicare, and LTSS organizations, coupled with his financial acumen and deep understanding of regulatory compliance and population health, makes him the ideal leader to guide our government business segment at this time. His proven ability to drive innovation, optimize efficiency and foster strategic partnerships will be instrumental as we manage through the evolving healthcare landscape.”

Payet graduated from The State University of New York (SUNY) Plattsburgh and received his Masters of Business Administration at The College of Saint Rose, with continuing professional development at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Payet’s community affiliations include Memphis-based Mid-South Food Bank, Nashville Health Care Council and Pinson Hospital Hospitality House.