About Us: Our Awards & Recognition

Highmark Health named to Forbes America's Best Employers 2023 list

In 2023, Highmark Health earned placement on the prestigious Forbes America's Best Employers list. The list, comprised of 500 large employers and 500 midsize employers, is based on an independent survey of approximately 60,000 American workers. Assessment criteria include atmosphere at work and potential for development; image; working conditions; salary and wages; workplace; and diversity.

David Holmberg named one of Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Influential People

David Holmberg, Highmark Health's president and CEO since 2014, was recognized as one of the industry's 100 Most Influential People by Modern Healthcare. This is the second time Holmberg has been named to the list. "David has led a profound organizational and cultural shift, making Highmark Health a nationally recognized leader in health industry transformation," noted Joseph Guyaux, chair, Highmark Health board of directors.

Deb Rice-Johnson recognized in Pittsburgh Business Times' 2023 Power 100 List

The Power 100 is a compilation of power players who are making an impact on the Pittsburgh region, defining it and moving it forward.

Eastern PA Market President Joe Haddock, Highmark Caring Place's Terri Bowling on Central Penn Business Journal's Power List

The Power List features individuals who shape central Pennsylvania's communities and influence the quality of life in the region.

Deb Rice-Johnson honored on City & State PA's Women 100: Power of Diversity List

The list recognizes public servants, business executives, nonprofit leaders, advocates, academics and others who are power players at the intersection of politics and policy.

AHN nurses receive Cameos of Caring awards

In 2023, 17 AHN nurses were among those honored at the annual Cameos of Caring Award Gala, a ceremony that recognizes individuals from health systems and schools of nursing across western Pennsylvania for excellence in academic achievement and clinical care.

West Penn Hospital again named tops in region for women's care

In 2023, West Penn Hospital was ranked No. 30 in the nation — and the top-ranked hospital in the region — for obstetrical and gynecological care, according to the annual U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" evaluation.

AHN facilities lauded for exceptional patient experience by Press Ganey

AHN Wexford Hospital's emergency department, the Wexford inpatient unit, and the AHN Westmoreland Endoscopy Center were recognized by Press Ganey with a 2023 Guardian of Excellence^® Award in the patient experience category. This award celebrates facilities that are in the top 5% for patient experience of the more than 41,000 health care facilities that Press Ganey works with across the country.

Highmark Inc. earns top score in 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index Survey is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees. The 2023 survey was more in depth than any other year, challenging organizations to raise the bar regarding their corporate offerings to employees. Highmark Inc., Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware Inc., and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia Inc. all achieved the Top 100 Award for Leader Workplace Inclusion for 2023-2024.

Highmark Health named Military Friendly Employer for fifth consecutive year

This elite designation is achieved by exceeding Military Friendly^® standards in hiring and onboarding, opportunity and advancement, culture and commitment, support and retention, policies and compliance, and recruiting and sourcing. For 2023, Highmark Health received a gold rating.

Highmark Health earns top scores on Disability Equality Index

The Disability Equality Index^® is a leading national benchmark established jointly by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN. In 2023, for the ninth consecutive year, Highmark Health earned a top score of 100 points.

Chief Clinical Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer earns top leadership honors

Highmark Health/AHN Chief Clinical Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, was again named a national Top Diversity Leader by Modern Healthcare. Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew, the academic chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Drexel University College of Medicine, was named a "Luminary" by the magazine, recognizing the sustained career impact she's had throughout more than four decades in medicine.

Enterprise Equitable Health Institute (EEHI) receives Circle of Hope DEI Award

Highmark Health's Enterprise Equitable Health Institute (EEHI) received the Pennsylvania Women Work Circle of Hope DEI Award for its commitment to recruitment, retention and promotion of a diverse workforce and its proven track record of supporting diversity and inclusion efforts, along with ongoing work to provide upward mobility for racial and ethnic minorities and women into leadership positions.

Highmark Health board, leadership recognized with regional DEI Award

Highmark Health received the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Three Rivers Chapter DEI Award (Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland and central Pennsylvania) for its board's advancement of diversity and inclusion in the board room and enterprise leadership. The board continues to show courage and commitment to DEI within board rooms.

Highmark Blue Shield in northeastern New York named Corporation of the Year by Capital District YMCA

As part of its annual President's Awards, Capital District YMCA named Highmark Blue Shield in northeastern New York its Corporation of the Year. The President's Awards recognize the contributions of key area leaders who dedicate themselves to the YMCA through outstanding service, contributions and unselfish commitments.

Pittsburgh mayor recognizes Mick Malec for outstanding contributions in helping people with disabilities gain meaningful employment

Mick Malec, CEO enGen and Enterprise Technology & Operations Officer, was recognized by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey for promoting disability inclusion and equity in the workforce. Noting that Mick has hired over 20 people with disabilities yearly since 2021, Mayor Gainey officially marked October 16, 2023 as Mick Malec Technology Champion Day.

Mick Malec recognized as first recipient of Bender Consulting Services Technology Champion Award

Mick Malec, CEO enGen and Enterprise Technology & Operations Officer, was the first recipient of the Bender Consulting Services Technology Champion Award, reserved for leaders who demonstrate a commitment to advancing competitive employment for people with disabilities within healthtech. This national award recognizes Mick's exceptional leadership and enGen's ongoing support of the employment of people with disabilities.

enGen's Jennifer Magaro and Samantha Lenhart recognized at Women in Technology Awards

Jennifer Magaro, senior vice president, Product Solutions, and Samantha Lenhart, senior scrum master, won the Moxie and Next Gen awards respectively at the Women in Technology Awards, hosted by The Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania. Both awards were a recognition of the trails blazed for women in the tech field, and the difference each woman continues to make in technology throughout the region.

HM Insurance Group ranked No. 9 in premium size among U.S. stop loss carriers

In 2023, HM Insurance Group was ranked No. 9 in premium size among the nation's top stop loss carriers. The ranking was provided by MyHealthGuide Newsletter for the Self-Funded Community, "Stop Loss Providers Ranked by Annual Premium."

HM Insurance Group companies' A ratings reaffirmed by AM Best

HM Life Insurance Company and HM Life Insurance Company of New York were assigned an A rating by AM Best, a global credit rating agency that focuses on the insurance industry. The ratings reflect the level of each company's financial strength and stability.

United Concordia Dental named a Forbes America's Best-in-State Employer 2023

In 2023, United Concordia Dental was named a Forbes America's Best-in-State Employer for the third year, ranking 39 out of 100 for Pennsylvania. The rankings were based on an independent survey of approximately 70,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 500 workers. United Concordia Dental's inclusion in the Forbes award supports its work to build a best-in-class workplace, with a strong focus on providing employees with what they need to be and do their best.

United Concordia Dental earns bronze distinction in inaugural 2023 California Insurance Diversity Index

The national dental solutions partner received a bronze distinction in the 2023 Insurance Diversity Index, a project of the Insurance Diversity Initiative at the California Department of Insurance that benchmarks the industry's progress in the state on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Insurance companies are evaluated on their commitments to policies and practices that advance DEI in three key areas, including diversity in the corporate boardroom, supplier diversity and California community impact investments.

United Concordia Dental receives international recognition for marketing campaign

United Concordia Dental earned a Bronze Telly Award for its "Need to Know" online commercial created for the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) enrollment campaign. Featuring a courier in a trench coat delivering a folder of classified information to National Guard and Reserve members, the submission won bronze in the "Fitness, Health and Wellness" Online Commercial category.