Highmark President Dr. Michael Edbauer honored with National Veteran in Leadership Award

Embodies finest qualities of our nation’s military, including leadership, teamwork, discipline, determination, and adaptability

Buffalo, N.Y. (June 13, 2024)  Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is proud to announce that President Dr. Michael Edbauer has been recognized with the prestigious Veteran in Leadership Award from Military Friendly®.

This award honors U.S. military veterans who demonstrate exceptional leadership, and commitment to supporting veterans in their communities.

Dr. Edbauer served in the Army Reserves from 1985 to 1995, achieving the rank of Captain. He is a passionate advocate for veterans within Highmark and throughout the community. He serves as the lead for Highmark’s Voices of Employees that Served (V.E.T.S) Business Resource Group, driving increased volunteerism and connection with veterans within and outside the workforce.

Under Dr. Edbauer’s leadership, Highmark significantly expanded its support for veterans. Efforts from the past year include:

• Establishing a partnership to support Wreaths Across America in Buffalo;
• Sponsoring a service dog to be matched with a local veteran through WNYHeroes Pawsitive for Heroes Program;
• Sending a team of employee volunteers to the WNYHeroes events, including its 5k and Memorial Day bike ride;
•  Providing $5,000 in funding to support events and AED donations to veteran organizations;
• Leading a day of volunteering at the Buffalo Naval and Military Park on Sept. 11.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award," Dr. Edbauer stated. "It serves as a testament to the valuable contributions veterans make in workplaces and communities, highlighting the advantages that military experience provides. I hope this recognition will serve as an encouragement to those transitioning from military to civilian roles, both now and in the future."

He also serves on the board of directors’ for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Business Council of New York State, Hospice Care and Palliative Care Buffalo, HEALTHeLINK, New York Health Plan Association and Say Yes Buffalo.