When you look at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, you see a thriving organization deeply committed to community involvement and prioritizing the well-being of its employees. At the heart of this mission is strong, compassionate leadership.
In this episode, I’m beyond thrilled to share my conversation with Jessica Cox, President of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York. We talked not only about the incredible work Highmark is doing in our community, but also about Jessica’s personal journey—her growth, the “reach assignments” she embraced, and the mentors and coaches who helped shape her leadership path.
One of the perspectives I loved most was her emphasis on empathy and understanding in healthcare leadership. When these values are held at the top, you can see the ripple effect across an entire organization, creating a culture where patient care and employee well-being truly flourish.
This was such a lovely, inspiring conversation with a local leader who reminds us that it’s not just about the bottom line—it’s about serving people and making a meaningful impact in the communities we call home.
Jessica Cox:
Jessica's Bio:
Jessica Cox
President, HighmarkWestern and Northeastern New York
Jessica Cox is responsible for leading the not-for-profit health plan's performance across the New York market and serves as the primary liaison with community stakeholders, business partners, and Highmark’s strong local workforce. She was appointed in August 2024 as the company's first female president in its 90-year history.
She possesses nearly 30 years of experience in the health care industry including as a health insurance executive, hospital administrator, and medical technologist.
She currently serves on the board of directors for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the Business Council of New York State, Invest Buffalo Niagara, the Life and Health Insurance Company Guaranty Corporation of New York and the New York Health Plan Association.
Jessica has also served on the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and ExecutiveCommittee, the Southern Tier Economic Growth Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
About Highmark Western andNortheastern New York
Highmark Western and Northeastern New York is one of the leading and longest-standing health plans in upstate New York, with roots dating back to 1936. Today, it is an affiliateof Highmark Inc., the fifth largest overall Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated organization in the country with more than 7 million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and western and northeastern New York. The not-for-profit health insurance company operates as Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in eight counties across Western New York and as Highmark Blue Shield in thirteen counties across Northeastern New York. The company insures over 500kmembers and employs nearly 1,600 team members across New York State. It is one of the region’s strongest corporate citizens, investing over $8 million into 200 non-profit partners across New York. The company generates over $1 billion in economic impact in New York. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
