Erin Behrhorst’s roles at BlueCross have been filled with opportunities to stretch herself and continually learn. These opportunities presented themselves early in her career.
After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2019 with a degree in statistics, she began an internship with BlueCross in the actuarial division. She next took a job as an actuarial assistant working on reserves for BlueCare Tennessee, a subsidiary of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee chosen by the state to help manage its Medicaid program, and then on the risk adjustment team.
Last year she was promoted to principal consultant and actuarial team lead where she and her team analyze health risk for Medicaid, Medicare and Health Insurance Marketplace member populations which helps in determining premium costs.
“I’ve been in risk-management roles for three years, and I’m continually learning,” Erin says. “I love that.”
When Erin learned she’d been selected to participate in the 2024 Corporate Mentoring Program, the timing couldn’t have been better. She was beginning to take on more responsibility and transitioning to a management role on her team.
Erin actively seeks out challenges and volunteers for tough assignments, according to Actuarial Services Director Chris Styga, who nominated Erin and is himself a past Corporate Mentoring Program participant.
“I knew this would build on Erin’s existing talents while also teaching her new skills as she grew into a manager-level role,” Chris says.
Adds Erin, “It sounded like a really great opportunity, I was excited to learn and have a mentor to help guide me.”
Learning from top leaders
Erin was mentored by April Lomax-Means, director of Corporate Workforce Diversity. April’s insight helped Erin navigate her new role and taught her important leadership skills.
“When April and I talk, I always feel valued,” Erin says. “She’s invested time in helping me reach my goals. Even since the program ended for me, I’ve been able to rely on her as a resource.”
Erin celebrated important milestones during this program, including her promotion and successfully completing the Society of Actuaries’ Group Health Design and Pricing exam, which assesses candidates’ understanding of benefit plan provisions, government programs, manual rates and underwriting.
“Getting to know Erin and be alongside her to celebrate these accomplishments has been incredibly rewarding,” April says.
Corporate Mentoring Program participants also hear from senior BlueCross leaders. That included group meetings with BlueCross CEO JD Hickey and COO Scott Pierce.
“It was interesting to learn about their careers and what advice they have for people trying to grow in their own careers,” Erin says.
Growing from connections made
Corporate Mentoring Program participants took part in training opportunities throughout 2024 as well as TeamBlue community service projects together. They attended a conference to learn about hunger relief, volunteered at several food banks, and raised funds for food bags which they delivered to a facility supporting families in need.
Learning more about fellow program participants was another benefit for Erin. “We’re from different parts of the company and share from our different perspectives,” she says.
Erin was inspired by the mentorship and guidance she received from the leaders she met through the program.
“The Corporate Mentoring Program has provided so many opportunities for career growth and made me feel more connected and appreciated,” she says. “It helped me to see how every person has the potential to make a difference at BlueCross.”
Marie joined the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee corporate communications team in 2012. A Florida native, she has more than 25 years of experience in public relations, community relations, speech writing and special event planning.