Name: Heather Cianfrocco
Previous title: Executive Vice President, UnitedHealth Group
New title: Chief Operating Officer, Highmark Health
Highmark Health has officially appointed Heather Cianfrocco as COO, starting now. The announcement came out of Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
In her new role, Cianfrocco will manage operations at Highmark Inc. This branch provides health insurance to about 7 million people across Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and New York. She will also oversee the Allegheny Health Network, which is made up of 14 hospitals, and the enGen health technology division.
Highmark, like many other healthcare companies, has faced challenges with rising medical costs. In 2025, the company reported a net loss of $175 million, despite having $32.4 billion in revenue.
Despite these hurdles, Highmark continues to grow. They have recently formed partnerships with other regional plans and provider networks and initiated a “Living Health” strategy. This approach aims to find solutions that enhance health and lower overall costs.
David Holmberg, CEO of Highmark Health, praised Cianfrocco, stating, “Heather is a seasoned healthcare leader with a wide-ranging perspective. Her expertise is vital as we expand our mission and transform our industry.”
Cianfrocco succeeds Karen Hanlon, who has served as COO since 2018 and will now focus on leading the Living Health strategy.
Before joining Highmark, Cianfrocco spent 24 years at UnitedHealth, where she held positions such as CEO of the Optum health services division. She stepped down from UnitedHealth amid increased scrutiny over healthcare costs and business practices, yet the company showed signs of recovery recently.
Interestingly, according to a 2023 survey, nearly 70% of Americans are increasingly concerned about healthcare costs. This trend places even more pressure on leaders like Cianfrocco to find innovative solutions and improve overall health outcomes. As the healthcare landscape evolves, her leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges.
