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Succession Planning - More Critical Now Than Ever

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Two executives share best practices from Excellus' exceptional program

Succession Planning - More Critical Now Than Ever

The Excellus BCBS Enterprise Succession Program seeks to identify leadership talent at all levels of the organization and to prepare top talent to achieve their full potential as they take on higher level leadership roles over the course of their careers. Each program level is intended to proactively prepare participants over seven months to excel in their leadership responsibilities when they move into their next role. The Enterprise Succession Program is built with the 70/20/10 model at its core.  By focusing primarily on the job experiences (70%) Excellus’ goal is to position participants into role plays, assignments and projects that one would typically be exposed to at the next level.  Providing space to practice, experiment and often times to fail, allows for feedback and continuous improvement to happen naturally.


At Excellus, succession planning is not just an HR process; it is a strategic imperative for the organization's future success. By ensuring continuity, retaining institutional knowledge, developing future leaders, mitigating risks, and motivating employees, Excellus lays a strong foundation for sustainable growth and competitiveness.  Succession planning is an integral part of the organizational culture and investment in the talent that will shape Excellus’ future.


Our speakers will share two perspectives on why and how Excellus does succession planning:  that of an HR executive responsible for the design and implementation of the program and that of the CFO of Excellus’ $3B Commercial line of business and a participant in the program.  We are sure that you will hear ideas on this timely and important topic that you can bring back to your team and organization.


About the Speakers


Tim Lippincott has been with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield since September 2016. Currently, Tim serves as the Corporate Vice President of Talent Management. In this role, he oversees the design, implementation and execution of the strategic plans for Talent Acquisition, Employee Experience, Employee Relations as well as HR Communications and Program Management. Tim previously served as Director of Talent Management for two years where he supported the Chief Financial Officer and Finance organization. Prior joining Excellus Tim held various Human Resources leadership roles at Verizon Communications as a Senior HR Manager and Business Partner, from 2008 to 2016. Tim is a graduate of Nazareth College and resides in Pittsford with his three children.


Ryan Barrett is Vice President, Commercial CFO and Underwriting at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Univera Healthcare. In this role he has financial oversight for the Commercial line of business totaling approximately $3 billion in revenue. Ryan has more than 17 years of experience in health care and has previously served in various leadership roles for the Health Plan since joining the organization in 2005.  Ryan holds both a BS in Economics and an MBA from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, and a Certificate in Executive Leadership and Project Management from Cornell University.  In 2012 he was a recipient of the Central New York Business Journal “Forty Under 40” award in Syracuse. Among his many community activities, Ryan volunteers his time assisting the Excellus Veterans Network Employee Resource Group.  Ryan and his wife reside in Rochester and have two children.


Join us for this free on-line event!


Date/Time:  Wednesday, July 12, 2023, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Cost:  Free to GRQC members and non-members

Registration:  Click below for more information and to register.


If you require ASL interpretation or any other accommodation, please submit your request by July 5. 


Please direct any questions to events@grqc.org.

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