Brian D. Pieninck is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the nation's largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations offering a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products through its affiliates and subsidiaries and administrative services. As President and CEO, Brian embodies CareFirst's mission while leading over 8,000 individuals dedicated to transforming the healthcare system to be more equitable, affordable and accessible to 3.5 million individuals across Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia.

Brian joined CareFirst in April 2015 as Executive Vice President of the Large Group Strategic Business Unit. He assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in May 2017, responsible for the organization's four Strategic Business Units and Technology and Operational Support Services. In May of 2018, the CareFirst Boards unanimously selected Brian to become President and CEO, beginning his leadership of the company on July 1, 2018.

Prior to joining CareFirst, Brian was a member of Aetna Inc.'s executive team, where he held key leadership positions during a 19-year tenure, including Director of Professional Employer Organizations, President of Southeast National Accounts and President of the Americas for Aetna International.

Brian's community involvement centers on equitably advancing opportunities at the intersection of health and economic well-being. He is the Board Chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board for the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH). Additionally, he is an active member of several boards, including the Federal Employee Program Board of Managers, Synergie Medication Collective, BCS Financial Corporation, Greater Washington Partnership, United Way of the National Capital Area, Greater Baltimore Committee, Baltimore's Promise and a member of the Morgan State University Board of Regents.

In 2022, Brian was named to the Health Committee of Governor-Elect Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Aruna Miller's transition team, and in 2023, he was named to Mayor Brandon Scott's Business Roundtable. Furthermore, he serves as host committee co-chair of the CIAA Tournament, the nation's oldest historically Black collegiate athletic conference.

Brian holds a B.S. in Business Studies and Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, is a member of the Leadership Greater Washington 2025 Class and is a graduate of Leadership Maryland's Class.