CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Maureen O'Connor, chief administrative officer, general counsel and corporate secretary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC), was named as one of the 2006 "Legal Elite" by Business North Carolina magazine. O'Connor received the distinction in the corporate category and was noted for her work over the past seven years with BCBSNC. Voted on by peers, the list includes approximately three percent of the state's lawyers.
O'Connor has more than 20 years experience in corporate and health care law, regulatory affairs and business. At BCBSNC, she is responsible for Law and Regulatory Affairs, Corporate Governance, Compliance and Ethics, Audit and Risk Management, Human Resources, Corporate Communications, and Strategic Development. O'Connor joined the company in 2000 as vice president and deputy general counsel and later assumed the roles of chief compliance officer and general counsel. Before coming to BCBSNC, she was senior regional counsel with CIGNA, senior vice president and general counsel of Healthsource North Carolina and was in private practice with Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett & Jernigan in Raleigh, N.C.
"As a company, we're fortunate to have Maureen's experience and leadership," President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Greczyn said. "I'm glad others recognize what we have known for a long time – that she sets the bar with her professional acumen. She's an incredible asset to our team."
O'Connor currently serves on the boards of Meredith College, Elon University Law School, North Carolina Association of Health Plans, American Lung Association of North Carolina, RTP Chapter of Healthcare Businesswomen's Association and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. She is past president of the North Carolina Association of Health Plans and the North Carolina Society of Health Care Attorneys and past chair of the BCBSNC United Way Campaign. O'Connor received a JD, cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School and a bachelor's degree in English from College of the Holy Cross.
Business North Carolina magazine mailed nearly 18,000 ballots to lawyers licensed by the State Bar and living in North Carolina, asking whom they would rate among the best attorneys. More than 2,500 lawyers received votes, with 607 receiving enough votes to be named to this year's "Legal Elite" list.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.4 million members, including approximately 748,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 73 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.4 million members, including approximately 748,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 73 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com.
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