Mr. Gregory E. Devens, CPA, CGMA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independence Health Group.
Drexel University's LuBow College of Business has named Gregory E. Devens, CPA, CGMA, president and chief executive officer of Independence Health Group, its 2024 Business Leader of the Year. .
Mr. Devens serves as President and CEO of Independence Health Group (Independence), the parent company of Independence Blue Cross, one of the nation's leading health insurance companies. Under his leadership, Independence has been committed to advancing equitable, whole-person health care. This includes a focus on reducing racial and economic health inequities and integrating physical and behavioral health care. The organization also focuses on partnerships dedicated to reducing drug costs for the benefit of its member and employer customers.
“Since taking the reins of Independence Blue Cross, Greg has become a trusted partner for so many organizations in the Philadelphia metropolitan area,” said Drexel President John Frye. “He is focused on disrupting long-standing health care status quo, confronting issues of health equity, and ensuring access to health care for all. He has witnessed this commitment firsthand through his efforts to maintain it not only as a premier teaching hospital for medical students, residents, and nurses, but also as a civic treasure in Philadelphia. We are proud to award Greg Business Leader of the Year for his leadership in promoting inclusion and equity and moving our region forward.”
Devens has received numerous awards and honors. savoy Magazine's “Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America'' Philadelphia Magazine's Most Influential People in Philadelphia, and modern healthcare He has received honors such as the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.
He is Chairman-Elect of the Board of Directors of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Board of Directors of Allegeus Technologies, America's Health Plan, BCS Financial Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Hartford Healthcare, National Institutes of Health, and many others. He also serves on the board of directors. Care Management and Quartet Health. He is also a member of his PNC Bank (Philadelphia area) advisory board. In addition, Devens serves on the board of the Barnes Foundation, the African American Museum of Philadelphia, and the Amistad Center for Arts and Culture as director emeritus. He also served as a member of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's Transition Leadership Committee.
Mr. Devens will receive the award at a ceremony in his honor on April 3. Proceeds from the event will fund scholarships and support academic programs within LeBow College.
It was founded in 1954 by business student George Ross '55. '99, after several years as an investment banker, was the recipient of the 35th Business Leader of the Year award. One of the most prestigious honors in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Past recipients include HF “Jerry” Lenfest, a Philadelphia entrepreneur, newspaper publisher, and philanthropist. Dennis O'Brien, former president and CEO of PECO and executive vice president of Exelon. David L. Cohen, former executive vice president of Comcast Corporation; Eileen McDonnell, former chairman and CEO of Penn Mutual; Judith M. von Seldeneck, Founder and Chair of Diversified Search Group.
For more information, visit www.lebow.drexel.edu/about/alumni-and-engagement/business-leader-year.
