Auburn Trustee Tim Vines elected chair of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Board of Directors

Auburn University Trustee Tim Vines, a 1988 Harbert College of Business graduate with a degree in finance, has been elected chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, or BCBSA, Board of Directors, the association announced on Wednesday.

Vines—who serves as president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama—became an Auburn Trustee earlier this year, replacing U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the esteemed board. A LaFayette, Alabama, native, Vines will assume leadership of the governing body that provides strategic guidance and oversight for BCBSA, a national federation of 35 independent, community-based and locally operated BCBS companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as chair of the BCBSA Board. I look forward to partnering with my colleagues as we continue the Association’s progress of providing all Americans access to quality, affordable health care,” Vines said in the BCBSA announcement.

A 27-year Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama veteran, Vines was appointed president and CEO in 2018. He’s also served in various leadership roles including, president and chief operating officer; chief administrative officer; senior vice president, business operations; and senior vice president, health management.

The Birmingham Auburn Club awarded Vines its 2019 Distinguished Auburn Alumnus Award. He also serves on the boards of Samford University, Regions Financial Corporation and the Business Council of Alabama.

Vines assumes the chair role from David L. Holmberg, president and CEO of Highmark Health, who was elected in 2019.