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Viewing important tasks from every angle is second nature to Josh McClure ─ from his earliest days as an Air Force mechanic and then quality inspector, to roles he’s had since joining BlueCross 17 years ago.

“When I worked on aircraft or led maintenance teams, there were so many different systems requiring close attention to every detail. You know lives depend on that when planes go in the air after undergoing major maintenance,” Josh says.

That analytical mindset continues to help Josh serve others well as he leads BlueCross teams tasked with, among other things, managing and analyzing data.

“Looking for the reason behind something or its root cause has always interested me,” Josh says. “I see that as helping us find ways to help those with BlueCross coverage to be healthier.”

Finding a path to challenge himself

When Josh finished his military service, he initially thought about roles in cybersecurity, having earned a bachelor’s degree in security management while serving. But conversations with his sisters who’d worked at BlueCross spurred his interest in roles related to health care.

“I was ready for whatever opportunity came next,” Josh says. “When I try something new, I go into it believing that I’ll get out of it what I’m willing to put into it.” 

He soon returned to his native Chattanooga to work at BlueCross in information technology support for a division managing a health information exchange platform where clinicians could gain a broader perspective of the health of their patients. Josh later moved into a software quality assurance role when that division became part of BlueCross’ Information Delivery division.

That was a lateral move, but one that proved fruitful as it led to a team leader role in application support. Josh was later promoted to business analytics manager overseeing data analysts, quality assurance engineers, and data policy experts. They take information from various BlueCross platforms and organize it into databases that are used to impact the care and services available to BlueCross members.

That includes helping BlueCross commercial group accounts see the value of their employees’ benefits and how other programs might be beneficial based on their employee population.

“We help employers look at possible future needs like maternity education, chronic condition management or even mental wellbeing,” Josh says.

The data can show how well BlueCross members are getting preventive care  and screenings and how that’s impacting their health outcomes. It also helps in understanding barriers that might be keeping them from getting preventive screenings.

“Are we moving the needle? We ask that often,” Josh says. “Is what we’re offering our members effective? And is it getting them to better health which is part of our BlueCross mission.”

Learning and leading

Josh believes success as a leader is found in teamwork and building others up. It’s something he learned early in his military service.

“Even before I had the rank of sergeant, I learned about leadership. I’m still learning from my team and from great leaders around me,” Josh says.

He was promoted recently to business analytics director with additional teams and responsibilities which he expects will give him the opportunity to continue to hone his personal and leadership skills. But even with greater responsibility, he still finds his greatest satisfaction in the result of what he and his teams do daily.

“When individuals come together around a common cause, they can do extraordinary things,” he adds. “I’m grateful for my small part in that and the mission of our company and being able to contribute to the wellbeing of others.”

Ways to unwind in a new home base

Away from work, Josh enjoys activities he can participate in year-round since moving to Sarasota, Fla., a few years ago with his wife, Christy, who’s also a BlueCross employee.

“I thought I’d like to retire to Florida eventually,” Josh says. “But my wife has family here and with the option to work remotely, that moved up those plans by quite a few years.”

In addition to a long-time interest in weightlifting, he’s a fan of leisurely bike rides and pickleball. Christy enjoys these as well, he said, along with discovering new eateries in the local area.

“I’m a foodie,” Josh says. “I’ve tracked every restaurant where I’ve eaten in Florida.”

Travel that speaks to his “foodie” side, and his love of national parks, also tops his list of things to do. Favorite trips include Chicago (where the food was incredible, Josh notes), and Northern California to visit Yosemite National Park.

Josh appreciates the support he gets from BlueCross to advance his career and to work remotely.  He earned his MBA degree a few years back with help from the company’s tuition assistance program. The technology available for virtual meetings keeps him well connected to his teams.

“I have the best teams of dedicated and seasoned professionals,” Josh says. “We continue to grow together every day.”