Richard Whitmer, former president and CEO of BCBS Michigan and father of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, died Jan. 26, according to a statement from his daughter.
Mr. Whitmer, who was 85 years old, according to his obituary in the Detroit Free Press, officially began his 18-year tenure running BCBS Michigan in 1988. Before that role, he worked as the company’s general counsel and served in former Gov. William Milliken’s cabinet.
“He held a lot of impressive positions in his long life,” Ms. Whitmer said. “But for me, he was just Dad.”
BCBS Michigan said Mr. Whitmer’s leadership came as the insurer navigated financial uncertainty and tense stakeholder relations.
“Dick Whitmer’s leadership stabilized Blue Cross’s finances, restored our relationships and helped our company emerge from the crisis it faced in the 1980s. Dick Whitmer was a leader of integrity and fortitude,” current BCBS Michigan President and CEO Tricia Keith said. “He put Blue Cross on the path to grow, compete and serve in a new century. He championed transparency and integrity. His tenure was marked by dramatically improved relations between management and labor, founded upon mutual respect and a collaborative spirit.”
Daniel Loepp, Mr. Whitmer’s successor, described him as “a great friend, mentor and leader.”
“When he made decisions, he always prioritized the needs of others,” Mr. Loepp said.
Ms. Whitmer said her father prompted her to consider public service. “He inspired me to live up to my potential,” she said. “Because of his encouragement, I did.”
