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Anthem’s new Colorado leader

Matt Pickett will take over as president of the Colorado Commercial State Plan for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado, according to a news release.

Pickett’s background includes more than 20 years of “payer and benefits experience,” including the role of sales and account teams leader for Anthem.

“Matt has an in-depth knowledge of the healthcare industry and recognizes the importance of supporting and enhancing the whole health of a person,” said Rich Novack, senior vice president, commercial markets, for Anthem’s parent company, in the release. “Matt understands our local members’ unique needs and is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable healthcare for all Colorado health plan members and employers.”

Most recently, Pickett served as vice president for Holmes Murphy and Associates — a privately held, employee-owned brokerage and consulting firm. He’s got an undergraduate business degree, and a master’s degree in healthcare administration, from the University of Colorado Denver.

“I’m honored to be asked to lead Anthem in Colorado, a place I call home and know so well,” Pickett said in the release. “We have a talented, dedicated team in Colorado focused on innovation and collaboration in order to bring greater affordability and better health outcomes for the people and businesses we serve. I look forward to working with the team to continue our mission to be a lifetime, trusted partner in health for all Coloradans.”

New Western Stock Show Association board member

Corporate attorney R. Stanton Dodge, chief legal officer of DraftKings, will join the board of the Western Stock Show Association.

The nonprofit organization has presented the National Western Stock Show for 116 years.

Dodge currently serves as an association trustee and is vice chairman of the Honoring the Legacy campaign — which is behind the development of the National Western Center.

“Stanton brings a wealth of legal and business acumen to our board of directors,” said Doug Jones, the WSSA board chairman, in a news release. “His deep knowledge of the National Western and his role in the ambitious National Western Center development put him in a position to contribute substantially in short order.”

Stanton previously served as executive vice president and general counsel of DISH Network. Before that, he clerked for Colorado Court of Appeals Judge Jose D.L. Marquez, who retired in 2008.

“I look forward to helping guide the WSSA through the National Western Center’s development and beyond,” Dodge said. “It’s an incredible honor to be part of a leadership group that includes so many of the West’s most respected and accomplished leaders.”

Dodge, who grew up in New England, received a degree in accounting from the University of Vermont, and a law degree, magna cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School. The University of Colorado Law School recognized him as an “Adopted Alumnus” in 2015 for his contributions to the school.

YMCA CEO resigns 

YMCA of Metro Denver President and CEO Suehila (Sue) Glass has resigned after five years.

She accepted a position as president and CEO at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. She takes over that position in January.  Current Board Chairman Rick Rush has been appointed interim president and CEO, according to a news release.

Glass was the first female leader and individual of color to head the YMCA of Metro Denver in the organization’s almost 150 years when she took over in 2018. She shaped “the Denver Y’s strategic vision” and the “One Mission. One Vision. One Voice.” strategic plan. This plan launched the organization’s real estate redevelopment efforts, a new membership model and internal operating and staff initiatives.

“I am deeply grateful for the privilege of leading such an extraordinary team and am filled with pride for the remarkable milestones achieved during my tenure,” Glass said in the release. “My time at the Denver YMCA will always hold a special place in my heart. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued growth and impact of the organization in the years to come.”

Glass led the organization’s “response to the global pandemic and helped expand the organization’s work addressing education, child care, food insecurity, health and, most recently, the epidemic of isolation and loneliness,” according to the release.

Rush takes over as interim president and CEO Jan. 15. He twice served on the Jefferson County school board, Colorado Community College System Foundation Board, Rueckert-Hartman College at Regis University Advisory Board and as an AARP Colorado Legislative Advocate. He has served on the YMCA of Metro Denver board for four years, as board chair for two years, and is a member of the Southwest YMCA.

A search committee has been formed to find the next president and CEO.