WHEREAS, Greg E. Deavens assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross in January 2021, becoming the first African American to lead the organization in its history; and
WHEREAS, Under Mr. Deavens’ leadership, Independence has made equitable, whole person health a strategic priority, integrating physical and behavioral health and working to reduce racial and economic health disparities across the region; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Deavens has championed initiatives that promote access to quality, affordable care for all, and has fostered partnerships aimed at reducing the cost of medications for members and employer customers; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Deavens has been recognized nationally and locally for his leadership, including being named in
Modern Healthcare’s
100 Most Influential People in Healthcare,
Savoy
magazine’s Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America, and
Philadelphia magazine’s
Most Influential People in Philadelphia, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Deavens was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Manor College in 2024; had the privilege of being the honorary Liberty Bell ringer as part of the 2022 national Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr. observance; and received the Excellence in Governance award from Modern Healthcare for his service as Chair of the Board of Directors for Hartford HealthCare from June 2020 to June 2023; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Deavens is engaged in civic and professional leadership, serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and on numerous boards including the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, America’s Health Insurance Plans, and the African American Museum in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, He is a trustee of the Barnes Foundation, an honorary trustee of the Amistad Center for Art & Culture, and a commissioner for both the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission and the America 250PA Commission; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, honors and congratulates Greg E. Deavens for his outstanding leadership, his commitment to health equity, and his enduring contributions to the well being of the people of Philadelphia and beyond.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Mr. Deavens, evidencing the sincere respect of this Legislative body
End