Kristen Wesley is currently the Regional Vice President of Sales & Account Management and Strategic Accounts for Anthem Large Group Southern California. She has been with Anthem for 26 years in various roles selling, managing and leading the large group commercial and public sector business. Outside of Anthem, Kristen is a mom and a wife who loves the outdoors, spends countless hours on the soccer and football fields, and LOVES every minute of it!
Tell us about your belief in VICA, how has VICA been most valuable to you?
Though I am relatively new to VICA, their advocacy on critical local and state issues has always been impressive to me. Anthem Blue Cross provides health care benefits to about 8.8 million Californians - and just as those members represent businesses large and small, so does VICA. The opportunity to work with staff and other business leaders to shape public policy that impacts all of our businesses is most gratifying.
If you were to share an experience with someone about VICA, what would that be?
I'm not sure that it would be as simple as just one experience. If I were to share, I would have to mention all the ways VICA makes it possible to connect with not only state and local leadership, but also with peers across a variety of industries. From First Sips in the morning to the State Officeholders events, there really is something for everyone.
Share with us what you believe to be the greatest accomplishment VICA has achieved?
Surviving and thriving through 2020! Just as so many businesses had to pivot to find new ways to reach and support customers, VICA had to quickly move advocacy, networking, and collaboration amongst stakeholders in a new direction. I know what it takes behind the scenes to make that kind of transition work. Kudos to the staff for doing that in such a seamless way for their members.
What was your organization's and/or your greatest accomplishment in 2020?
Whether or not it is our "greatest" accomplishment, I am so proud to have been part of our California team's larger effort to support our members and communities. Anthem Blue Cross California health plans and their Foundation provided more than $9.1 million in grants, sponsorships, and contributions from associates over the course of the year to help 587 nonprofit organizations statewide keep up their work to improve the health of communities. Additionally, despite COVID-19 restrictions, lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, Anthem associates found new and innovative ways to contribute nearly 12,000 volunteer hours to support Californians.
Can you share what VICA has meant to you and your business during COVID?
During a time when so much changed, VICA's support for its members never wavered. Strong participation in the many virtual events is a testament to the value elected officials and their membership see in VICA. The virtual platform has been a great bridge to keep us in touch - but let's get out there and get vaccinated so we can return to in-person work supporting Valley businesses!
