Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico named New Mexico State University Carlsbad President John Gratton a member of its Affiliate Board of Directors.
“What really intrigued me is that the affiliate board of New Mexico Blue Cross Blue Shield will vote on projects that Blue Cross Blue Shield gets to across the state,” Gratton said.
According to a news release from the company, members of the affiliate board provide advice and insight to the senior company management.
There are seven members on the board.
Gratton said in the past, a majority of members were from Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Now there are representatives from other cities, including Taos and Farmington. Gratton said that his understanding was that there had not been a representative from southeastern New Mexico on the board for several years.
“Well that means you’ve got the four corners of the state basically taken care of, to represent concerns for that particular area,” Gratton said. “So we have the state covered in terms of making sure we have fair representation and consideration of all parts of the state in terms of the projects and initiatives.”
Gratton said he was approached about taking a role on the board by other board members while he was completing Leadership New Mexico in 2015.
Gratton submitted an application in February. A five-month interview process followed. He met with state and national representatives of Blue Cross Blue Shield.
In July he was invited to join the board of directors.
“looking forward to serving in that role,” Gratton said. “It was something I thought that was good, that Carlsbad would have a voice on that board.”
Gratton said the best part of joining the board is serving New Mexico. Gratton, who currently serves as vice president of the Carlsbad Medical Center board and is a member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, said accepting this new position is another way for him to contribute to the community.
“If I’m on a board, I’m going to do what I’m expected to do,” Gratton said. “I think I can do some good for not only Carlsbad, in terms of representing Carlsbad and Hobbs and the southeastern part of the state, but all of New Mexico as we decide what are things for Blue Cross Blue Shield that are good for New Mexico citizens.”
Catherine O’Neill, professor at University of New Mexico Taos Branch, has also been elected a board member.
“Drs. Gratton and O’Neill both bring community experience and knowledge to our board,” said Kurt Shipley, president of Blue Cross Blue Shield New Mexico. “We are delighted to have them join our organization and they will add valuable perspective to our affiliate board.”
Date: September 14, 2016