CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Announces CEO Leadership Transition
Brian D. Pieninck to depart in September, enabling a smooth transition after decade-long tenure; Board names Chief Financial Officer Ja’Ron Bridges as interim leader
BALTIMORE—Today CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the country's largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, announced Brian D. Pieninck will be stepping down as President and CEO in September. Pieninck, who has led the organization since 2018, will take a new role as CEO of GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation, a mission-driven not-for-profit health solutions company and parent of Florida Blue and Triple-S Management, Puerto Rico’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan.
Upon Pieninck’s departure, CareFirst Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ja’Ron Bridges will serve as interim chief executive officer, working closely with the Board and full executive leadership team to maintain the momentum, focus and mission-driven service for which CareFirst is known.
Over his ten years with CareFirst, Pieninck led a period of significant growth, strategic diversification and rapid modernization, including a substantial increase in the members CareFirst serves, launching Medicare and Medicaid offerings and expanding access to primary and urgent care. He strengthened the organization’s mission, broadened its reach and embodied a model of servant leadership rooted in community and stakeholder collaboration, resulting in major projects like the West Baltimore Workforce Development Initiative, CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8, and partnerships addressing diabetes and behavioral health on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
His dedication to elevating diverse perspectives, fostering trusted relationships and advancing thoughtful, people-centered solutions helped solidify the organization's role as a vital anchor institution in the region. In 2024 alone, the company’s commitment translated into $403 million in support of regional impact, $40 million in community giving and nearly 90,000 hours of volunteer service from CareFirst Difference Makers. That same values-driven leadership extends nationally in his role as Board Chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, where Pieninck helps shape policy and elevate the collective commitment to affordable, equitable, high-quality care.
“Brian has brought operational clarity, strategic foresight and a strong sense of purpose throughout his time at CareFirst. His leadership has guided the company through meaningful transformation and has helped define our role as an indispensable partner in the communities we serve,” said CareFirst, Inc. Board Chair Jeffrey P. DiLisi, M.D. “We are deeply grateful for the personal commitment and guidance he’s brought to our work—both locally and across the national healthcare landscape.”
Bridges brings extensive healthcare administration, financial management and strategic planning expertise to his upcoming role as interim CEO. Prior to joining CareFirst, he held senior leadership roles at Highmark Health and Gateway Health, guiding financial strategy across commercial and government sectors.
“Ja’Ron and the CareFirst executive leadership team have the experience, judgment and steady leadership needed to guide through this transition,” said DiLisi. “The organization is well positioned to move forward with purpose—staying grounded in our mission, accelerating innovation and continuing to improve access and the overall health of the communities we serve.”
“Serving this company for the past ten years—and the last seven as CEO—has been an incredibly meaningful and rewarding chapter of my professional and personal life. I am grateful for our time together and proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Pieninck. “As I open my next chapter, I’m fully confident in the capable and intentional leadership of Ja’Ron and the executive leadership team, along with carrying a deep respect for CareFirst Difference Makers and the culture we’ve built together.”
The Board will begin a search process to identify a permanent successor to fill the president and CEO position—with a focus on ensuring continuity, future readiness and an unwavering commitment to the company’s mission. CareFirst, its Board and tenured executive team remain dedicated to improving access to affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare as it moves forward.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 88th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals and employers in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2024, CareFirst infused more than $403 million to support regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about how CareFirst is transforming healthcare, visit www.carefirst.com/transformation.