Barnett to lead Arkansas Blue Cross starting in 2017

Curtis Barnett has been named incoming CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield by the board of directors, the company announced Tuesday (Dec. 15). Barnett, who assumes his duties Jan. 1, 2017, will spend the next year reporting to P. Mark White, president and CEO, until he retires.

“Curtis has extensive experience in the operations of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield,” Board Chairman Robert Shoptaw said in the release. “Curtis is an innovative leader who will rise to the challenge as the healthcare industry faces continued transformation. Under his leadership, Arkansas Blue Cross will continue our work to lower the cost of healthcare, strengthen relationships with all of our stakeholders, and reshape the health insurance industry in Arkansas and throughout the country. And, most importantly, Curtis is committed to improving the health insurance experience for our members.”

Barnett joined the company in 1993 and has served as senior vice president of External Operations since 2014. He previously was president and chief executive officer of USAble Corporation, and vice president of Operations for BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas.

Talk Business & Politics will have more on this story later today.