Sean Robbins

Sean Robbins is executive vice president of external affairs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), a national federation of 35 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies. Today, one in three Americans are covered by the Blue System.

With a track record of leading private and public sector organizations through complex, high-profile initiatives, Robbins’ experience as an operational healthcare leader combined with his public affairs background is unique within the industry. He is recognized for his ability to articulate a clear strategy, recruit strong teams, build results-oriented cultures and create strong external partnerships to accelerate results. As executive vice president, he provides leadership for BCBSA’s external affairs functions, including the Office of Policy & Representation in Washington, D.C., which shapes public policy on behalf of the BCBS System, as well as the Brand Strategy and Marketing and Strategic Communications teams, which protect and enhance the BCBS brand on a national level.

Prior to joining the Association, Robbins was president of Regence Blue Shield of Idaho, a $350 million health plan serving nearly 200,000 members as part of the Cambia Health Solutions family of companies in four western states. He had previously served as Cambia’s senior vice president of public affairs and policy, overseeing the company’s political, legislative and regulatory agenda and leading a modernization of the company’s approach to public and government affairs.

Earlier in his career, Robbins led two community development organizations as CEO and supported two governors in building Oregon’s statewide economic development strategy. He served Oregon Governors John Kitzhaber and Kate Brown as director of the Oregon Business Development Department and as CEO of Greater Portland Inc, a public-private economic development corporation comprised of the region’s leading elected officials and business leaders.

A Wisconsin native, Robbins earned a business degree from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. He enjoys hiking, fly fishing, skiing and visiting our national parks with his wife and two sons. Together, they live in Boise, Idaho.