Highmark Health announced the appointment of Heather Cianfrocco to the role of chief operating officer for the organization, effective immediately. Cianfrocco joins Highmark Health from UnitedHealth Group where she held various leadership roles across the benefits and services businesses.
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“Heather is an exceptionally talented and accomplished health care executive with more than 20 years of experience and success leading large, complex health care organizations,” said Karen Hanlon, Highmark Health president. “We look forward to the new ideas and perspectives she will bring to our leadership team and the important role she will play in helping drive the change and innovation that is so essential to our goal of delivering best in class services and remarkable health experiences for those we serve.”
Cianfrocco was named Modern Healthcare’s 10 executives to watch in 2025. She graduated from Penn State University and received her law degree from Duquesne University. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Heather has deep roots in the community, including serving on the board of the Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania.
“We have boldly said that we want to be one of the organizations that solves the complex and fragmented health care system,” said David Holmberg, Highmark Health chief executive officer. “Heather is a seasoned, innovative health care leader who has a broad national lens, and her skills will be critical as we strive to further expand the reach of our mission and accelerate the work we are doing to transform our industry.”
