NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Capital BlueCross Announces Resignation of CEO

"Over the past four years, Capital BlueCross has grown in meaningful ways," said Capital BlueCross Board Chair William Lehr Jr. "The Board of Directors will build upon that growth with new leadership."

The Board has initiated a national search for the company's next CEO. In the interim, the chief executive functions of the company will be executed by Mr. Lehr. Mr. Lehr has been Chairman of the Board since July 2004. Appointed by the Board to assist Mr. Lehr in his executive duties are:

-- Board Vice Chair James M. Mead, who was President and CEO of Capital BlueCross for 20 years

-- Board Member Ronald J. Drnevich, who was Chairman and CEO of Gannett Fleming, Inc.

Ms. Smith's resignation is effective today. She became president and CEO of the company July 1, 2004.

Headquartered inHarrisburg, Capital BlueCross is the market-leading health insurer in centralPennsylvania and theLehigh Valley, providing health insurance to nearly one million people. The company has been serving its customers for more than 70 years and employs more than 2,300 people.

Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross