Highmark Inc. announces eastern Pennsylvania Market Executive

(May 7, 2024) Camp Hill, Pa. – Highmark Inc. (Highmark) has announced that Kathleen Balakier has joined the organization as vice president, Market Executive for eastern Pennsylvania.

In this newly created role, Balakier will be responsible for leading provider performance and strategies, overseeing partnerships, and developing and executing on strategic and operational plans for Highmark’s provider networks. She will work closely with other Highmark leaders to better understand performance and network needs for our customers and members across eastern Pennsylvania. Balakier will also work closely with providers across the central and northeastern PA markets to foster innovative contracting and care delivery models.

“We are pleased to welcome Kathleen to Highmark,” said Tom Doran, president, Highmark Health Plan. “Throughout her career, Kathleen has served in progressive leadership roles in contracting and provider network management and performance and we look forward to putting that experience to work for the benefit of providers, customers and members across the region.”

Balakier joins Highmark from Array Behavioral Care based in Mt. Laurel, NJ and has more than 24 years of experience in Managed Care including government, commercial, and self-funded programs. Most recently at Array, she was the VP of Payor Solutions and Strategy and was accountable for structuring, negotiating and executing on a national go-to-market payor strategy that included a variety of contractual relationship structures and operational department oversight.

Balakier also previously served as vice president, Provider Network Innovations and as director, Provider Network Management, at Geisinger Health Plan.