Blue Cross Announces New Leaders in IT Division

EAGAN, Minn., June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced two new appointments to its IT leadership team, naming David Kaercher as vice president of infrastructure and Colleen Sargent as vice president of application development.

"Dave and Colleen both have proven track records working collaboratively across many business functions," said Jim Egan, chief information officer at Blue Cross. "Their experience and expertise will be significant assets to our IT team."

David Kaercher – vice president of infrastructure

David Kaercher serves as vice president of infrastructure at Blue Cross. Kaercher will be responsible for aligning the corporate technology vision with business strategy by integrating company processes with the appropriate technologies. His team will maintain, develop and support core technology areas such as network, desktop and server hardware, software and operating systems, database administration storage, data communications, and telecommunications systems.

Kaercher most recently held the position of senior vice president of technology operations and service delivery at PNC Bank. He has also held leadership positions at U.S. Bank, Allianz, and Best Buy.  Kaercher holds a bachelor's degree from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., and a master's degree in computer science from the George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science in Washington, D.C.

Colleen Sargent – vice president of application development

Colleen Sargent serves as vice president of application development at Blue Cross. She is responsible for the company's strategy, design, and delivery of application solutions. Sargent works across the organization to assess current and potential processes, strategies and initiatives that will best align with Blue Cross' technology needs to remain competitive in the marketplace.

Prior to this position, Sargent held leadership positions at U.S. Bank. She also served in key roles at Best Buy and Accenture. Sargent has a bachelor's degree and a master of education degree from the University of Minnesota, as well as a master of business administration degree from the University of St. Thomas. She recently completed her board appointment of six years with the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and is active in the Minnesota chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with headquarters in the St. Paul suburb of Eagan, was chartered in 1933 as Minnesota's first health plan and continues to carry out its charter mission today as a health company: to promote a wider, more economical and timely availability of health services for the people of Minnesota. Blue Cross is a not-for-profit, taxable organization. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, headquartered in Chicago. Go to bluecrossmn.com to learn more about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota