DURHAM, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has named Dr. Marcus Wallace, MD as the next chief medical officer and vice president of clinical operations and innovation, effective November 7, 2022. He is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and proven clinical and operational leader with extensive experience in the health care industry.

In his role, Wallace will oversee care management, health care programs, clinical innovations and clinical effectiveness. He will report directly to Senior Vice President of Health Care Services Dr. Stephen Friedhoff, MD.

“Dr. Wallace possesses the compassion of a physician and the right experiences that are critical in our work to make health care more affordable and accessible for all,” said Dr. Friedhoff. “I’m thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

Wallace brings more than 20 years of experience in the health care industry to Blue Cross NC. Most recently, he served as regional vice president at Elevance Health overseeing clinical operations for almost 2 million Medicaid plan members in California, Nevada, and Washington.

Prior roles include four years at Centene/Louisiana Healthcare Connections as Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs where he was responsible for the largest state Medicaid plan, totaling more than 460,000 members. Wallace has also held leadership roles at UnitedHealth, Health Net, and Aetna.

Wallace received his undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Louisiana State University Medical Center. Wallace is a fellow of the American Board of Internal Medicine and obtained a Master of Business (MBA) with an emphasis on health care from the George Washington University School of Business.

Wallace is an active volunteer in his community and currently serves on the board of the Healthier Northshore Committee, an initiative dedicated to amplifying healthier living throughout St. Tammany and Washington Parishes in Louisiana. His medical interests include helping those impacted by sickle cell anemia and working to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be healthy.