BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has promoted former Nashville-based media relations professional Roy Vaughn to senior vice president and chief communications officer.
Vaughn, who is based in BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s offices in Chattanooga, is known locally as having once served as a partner at Nashville-based Katcher Vaughn & Bailey Public Relations. Prior to his work with the PR company, which ceased operations in 2013, he spent 10 years in leadership positions with other Nashville public relations agencies, specializing in health care and reputation management.
At BlueCross, Vaughn will oversee public affairs and media/community relations; internal communications; brand strategy, market research and advertising; and marketing/provider communications, according to a release. Additionally, he will be responsible for the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation.
Vaughn joined BlueCross in 2007 as director of communications and was quickly promoted to the role of vice president for that function.
“Roy is a proven leader whose expertise in strategic communications is recognized at the local, state and national levels,” JD Hickey, BlueCross president and CEO, said in the release. “At a time of tremendous change in our industry, effective communications and community outreach are more important than ever, and we’re pleased to have him lead these efforts.”
Vaughn, a Middle Tennessee State University graduate, holds an accreditation from the Public Relations Society of America, for which he once served as chair of its Counselors Academy.
Additionally, Vaughn is a member of the board of trustees for the MTSU College of Media and Entertainment. Vaughn is a past chairman of the board of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and its foundation. He is also a board member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga and Urban League of Greater Chattanooga.
Date: July 28, 2016