Vice President Analytics

Wellmark has engaged Heidrick & Struggles to support this search effort. Please reach out to Mary-Alice Davison to be considered.

Wellmark is seeking a Vice President of Analytics, Data Governance and AI Strategy. This highly collaborative and strategic leader will embed analytics into enterprise decision-making and deliver actionable, high-value solutions. Acting as a trusted advisor, the VP will partner with senior leadership, technology, legal, compliance, and the Board to responsibly integrate analytics and AI across the business.

Operating in a regulated environment, this executive will oversee ethical data use, strong governance, and the adoption of advanced capabilities such as AI and machine learning. They will drive measurable impact in areas core to health insurance, including member health outcomes, population health management, provider performance, claims integrity, cost optimization, and customer experience. Additionally, the VP will modernize data platforms, expand self-service capabilities, and position Wellmark to capture new opportunities with emerging AI technologies.

 Strategic Problem Framing & Value Realization 

• BS required; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive business leadership experience, including expertise in driving analytics and data strategy.
• Proven ability to identify, frame, and solve complex business problems, translating insights into quantifiable business value (e.g., revenue, cost, efficiency).
• Expert at aligning analytical initiatives with strategic objectives and demonstrating measurable ROI.

Executive Acumen & Influential Communication 

• Savvy business partner with deep business and financial acumen and exceptional executive presence.
• Masterful at translating complex findings into compelling, concise, and actionable narratives for diverse audiences, including C-suite and Board.
• Skilled in building consensus, influencing strategic direction, and navigating organizational dynamics to drive adoption and impact.

Deep Analytical Rigor 

• Exceptional technical leadership grounded in robust quantitative expertise.
• Capable of rigorously evaluating complex analytical methodologies, data architectures, and advanced models.
• Proficient in guiding the application of advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics to critical business challenges.
• Stays current with emerging technologies, assessing their responsible application for strategic advantage.

Data Governance & Ethical Application 

• Extensive experience establishing and maturing robust data governance frameworks to ensure data quality, integrity, and security.
• Practical command of ethical data principles, privacy regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to implement controls that enable effective data leverage while mitigating risk and building trust.

Advanced Capabilities (AI/ML) Assessment & Integration 

• Expert in strategically assessing the value, feasibility, and risks of emerging analytical capabilities, including AI and machine learning.
• Proven track record supporting the responsible onboarding and adoption of such technologies.
• Clear focus on measurable business outcomes and robust risk management (e.g., bias detection, model explainability, MRM).

Regulated Environment Expertise 

• Critical expertise navigating highly regulated industries (e.g., finance, healthcare).

• Deep understanding of data governance, privacy regulations, compliance requirements, and the necessary controls for deploying analytical solutions within strict legal and ethical frameworks.

Enterprise Leadership 

• Passionate leader skilled at attracting, developing, and retaining top tier analytics talent.
• Fosters an innovative, collaborative, and results-oriented culture focused on delivering tangible business value.
• Provides strategic direction and leadership for a team of professional staff that support Wellmark and divisional strategy and goals.
• Cascades and communicates strategy and initiatives to team members, driving customer/stakeholder service and supporting achievement of divisional and overall company results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence 

• Proven ability to build strong partnerships across engineering, product, operations, sales, marketing, legal, compliance, and executive leadership.  
• Drives consensus and champions data-driven decision-making across all organizational strata, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and business impact.  

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Dynamic, intellectually curious, and resilient leader with strong technical aptitude.
• Brings a highly structured, logical approach to problem-solving, consistent with top-tier strategic advisors.
• Capable of both designing sophisticated analytical solutions and ensuring their seamless, compliant, and impactful integration into the business.
• A business leader first, passionate about leveraging data to solve significant problems, measure success, and drive organizational value.
• Operates with a strong commitment to ethical practice, risk awareness, and responsible application of advanced technologies

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

This job requires a non-compete agreement.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact us at [email protected]

Please inform us if you meet the definition of a "Covered DoD official".

At this time, Wellmark is not considering applicants for this position that require any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please refer to the following resources:Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants