Florida Blue parent company GuideWell named Kelli Tice, MD, the company's first chief health equity officer, according to a Jan. 19 news release shared with Becker's.
The new position will helm initiatives to address health inequities among employees, members and communities. Dr. Tice will also work with GuideWell's Equity Alliance, which taps the group's entire business portfolio to address health disparities experienced by Black Americans.
"Today's announcement marks another step forward in our pledge to embed diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do," said Pat Geraghty, president and CEO of GuideWell. "Dr. Tice brings an unparalleled level of dedication, passion and expertise in reducing health disparities, delivering culturally competent care and advancing our mission by improving health outcomes for people and communities."
Previously, Dr. Tice served as Florida Blue's senior medical director of medical affairs. In the role, she helped lead the payer's COVID-19 strategy and addressed both health inequities and social determinants of health.
Dr. Tice's resume also includes 17 years as a public health physician and a term as state medical director for the Florida Department of Health.