"Take 5" is a series in which we pose five questions to a Blue Cross leader and learn more about who they are, what they do, and how they help our members live their healthiest lives.

This edition features John Uribe, chief financial officer (CFO). John has been with Blue Cross for 11 years, serving as Vice President, Corporate Development, before becoming CFO.

John, what would you say is the most important aspect of your job?

There are actually two critical aspects of my role. The first, like every leader at Blue Cross, is to help the organization achieve its strategic priorities. My specific area of responsibility is to ensure we have the right resources in place to help our members achieve their healthiest lives. In my area, that’s through making sure we are in a strong financial position to deliver quality coverage, drive down the total cost of healthcare, and mitigate financial burdens for our employer customers as well as for individual members.

The second is to help develop the future leaders of our Blue Cross. The company has been serving Minnesota for more than 90 years. I feel very fortunate to be part of that history. It also helps the organization achieve the next phase of growth and have the ability to continue delivering on our promise to members and clients.

What does it mean for Blue Cross to be a non-profit health insurer?

Great question. While both for-profit and non-profit structures operate similar business models, our non-profit status means that we work for the benefit of our clients and members. For example, when we have a financially successful year, we save and reinvest any surplus for the direct benefit of our clients and members. In contrast, the primary responsibility of for-profit entities is its shareholder base, and they look to distribute profits back to them in the form of dividends and share buybacks.

Operating with the spirit of a non-profit in a market that often has the same expectations of us as it would of a for-profit can come with challenges. In my experience, Blue Cross has successfully met these challenges for many years – and will continue to do so for many years to come.

In what ways has the health insurance industry changed since you have been with Blue Cross?

In many ways, the entire healthcare ecosystem is in a state of constant change. In my time, I’ve seen a lot happen in terms of how the overall industry is regulated, the ways we have evolved payment models for quality care and the number of technology-based solutions available to members. In terms of innovation, it is incumbent on Blue Cross to continue be the subject matter expert and invest in capabilities that can optimize the experience and efficacy for our members. Our navigation tool Blue Care Advisor is a great example.

What current project or development are you most excited about?

I’m excited about the enterprise’s strategic priorities in the areas of affordability, accessibility, and racial and health equity. Any successful organization leads by its guiding principles, and ours provide a clear perspective as to what we need to do each and every day. As I stated earlier, we work for the benefit of our clients and members. I’m always energized by delving into projects that put the member first.

How does your work have an impact on the health and wellbeing of Blue Cross members?

I would say that impact is created by not just my work, but the work of all associates at Blue Cross. In terms of our associates, we are about 3,000-people strong and many live throughout the state and in the communities we serve. By advancing our strategy and being efficient and effective in our work, our associates truly care about the wellbeing of our members and communities. I see every day how we are making an impact.