CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) has named long-time business executive Ellison Clary its community relations district director in Charlotte. Clary’s position will be based in Charlotte.
“BCBSNC is a leader in delivering innovative healthcare products, services and information to millions of members across North Carolina,” said Kathy Higgins, vice president of Community Relations and president of the independent BCBSNC Foundation. “We seek to strengthen our relationships in the Charlotte region and believe that providing a dedicated professional as the local face of our company is the best way to accomplish our goal.”
The district director position is the first for the Durham-based company.
“Ellison Clary brings us increased recognition and credibility,” Higgins said. “His network of contacts is extensive and he will help us establish stronger ties to multiple sectors of the community.”
Clary said he is delighted to be associated with BCBSNC.
“Health care is a defining issue of our time, and BCBSNC is an innovator in finding ways to better serve the most people with the best options for living healthy and productive lives,” Clary said.
For more than seven years, Clary has operated Ellison Clary Comprehensive Public Relations, a firm that has advocated for various types of businesses, including legal, architectural, construction, high tech, retail and health-related. Prior to starting his company, Clary was a business writer for The Charlotte Observer and a senior vice president in corporate affairs at Bank of America. He has fashioned a 40-year career in journalism and public relations. His previous roles also include editing positions at The Hickory (NC) Daily Record, The Columbus (GA) Enquirer and The Tuscaloosa (AL) News. His first job was as a reporter for The Charlotte News. He was a public relations executive for Carolina Power & Light, now Progress Energy. He is a US Army Vietnam veteran. A Charlotte native, Clary has lived here all except 16 years of his life.
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 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 77 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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