EVP, Chief Strategy, Operations, and Technology Officer, Independence Blue Cross

Michael R. Vennera is executive vice president and the chief strategy, operations, and technology officer at Independence Health Group (Independence). Mr. Vennera has been with Independence for nearly 25 years. During that time, he has held several leadership roles in various areas, including informatics, information systems, operations, and innovation. He brings a rare blend of expertise in strategic planning and deep understanding of IT innovation.He has overseen numerous technology initiatives. Those initiatives include launching new members, sales, and provider portals; increasing cybersecurity measures; developing new resources to better serve associates’ technology needs; and strengthening the company’s focus on equitable whole-person health by collecting and analyzing data to address algorithmic bias.

Mr. Vennera has also been instrumental in expanding Independence’s organizational focus on innovation. His achievements include driving the company’s culture and capabilities program and spearheading the company’s role as a founding partner of the B. PHL Innovation Festival, a citywide innovation event launched in 2019 which has attracted a global audience.Mr. Vennera is executive sponsor of Independence’s Future Blue Leaders associate resource group. He has previously chaired the Executives with Heart group for the Philadelphia region and served on the Corporate Committee of the Franklin Institute Awards. He is active on the boards for Brighter Horizon, which supports first-generation college students and their families, and Quil, a joint venture between Independence and Comcast that offers personalized and interactive health journeys for consumers and their caregivers.

Mr. Vennera is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in information systems.