Don George, President and CEO, Retiring at the End of 2025

Berlin, VT – Don George, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (Blue Cross VT), has informed the company’s Board of Directors and employees of his plan to retire, effective January 2026. During his more than thirty years with Blue Cross of VT and 16 years as CEO, Mr. George has been a respected and visionary leader. The Blue Cross VT Board of Directors will lead the recruitment and transition process, beginning immediately. There will be a national search for a new President and CEO with expertise to guide the organization through the challenges in health care. This transition will allow ample time for Mr. George’s successor to benefit from his local knowledge and years of experience.

“For more than 30 years, Don George has been known for building strong strategic partnerships, leading the way on innovative products and services, cultivating a healthy organization and culture, and maintaining strong relationships,” said Charlie Smith, chairman of the Blue Cross VT Board. “His integrity and passion for people and teams is unmatched, and he has been an unwavering champion of local, non-profit health insurance.”

“It has been the professional privilege of a lifetime to lead this company through periods of challenge, growth, and significant industry change. I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such a committed and talented team,” Mr. George said in his announcement to employees. “My decision to retire was not an easy one to make, but I know it’s the right time.”

During Mr. George’s tenure as CEO, he was instrumental in developing Vermont Collaborative Care LLC (VCC), a joint-venture partnership with The Brattleboro Retreat that was designed to integrate physical and mental health care management; he developed innovative workplace wellness programs and products for employer groups throughout Vermont, distinguishing Blue Cross VT as a health and wellness leader in Vermont; he established an employee-focused culture and increased employee engagement thereby achieving distinction as a We’re a Great Place to Work certified company; and most recently he led Blue Cross VT through a successful affiliation with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, pioneering a new way for Blue plans to work together. The affiliation allows Vermonters to benefit from the technology and advanced capabilities of a large organization while continuing as Vermont’s locally managed health plan.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is a local, not-for-profit health plan. For over 40 years, the company has been enhancing the health and well-being of the Vermonters we serve by offering innovative plans to individuals, older Vermonters, and businesses. Our employees are dedicated to developing new ways to support high-quality care, programs and events that promote wellness.