From the moment she joined her church junior choir at just 6 years old, Pat White’s life has been filled with music. Growing up, singing wasn’t just something she did — it was as natural as breathing.
“Even as an adult, I’m always singing,” Pat says with a smile. “I’d wake my kids up for school with music, fill the house with singing; it’s something they still remember today.”
That passion hasn’t faded. As the director of music at New Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Pat continues to share her love for music with her community. And for over 45 years, she’s brought that same enthusiasm and joy to her work at BlueCross, uplifting both members and colleagues through every role she’s held.
Finding her rhythm at BlueCross
Pat’s journey with BlueCross began in 1979, fresh out of school and eager to build her career. Starting in Claims, she quickly became a vital part of one of Chattanooga’s largest employers. Soon after, she transitioned into Internal Audit as a claims auditor.
“Back then, everything was paper-based,” Pat recalls. “We stored deductibles in little index card boxes we called recipe boxes because they looked just like the ones your grandmother kept her recipes in!”
Fast forward to today, and Pat now leads teams serving some of Tennessee’s most vulnerable members as an operations manager for BlueCare Tennessee — a subsidiary of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee chosen by the state to help manage its Medicaid program — a role she’s held since 1996.
Lifting voices, lifting spirits
In 2005, Pat’s love for music found a new home at work when she joined the newly formed VOICE Choir at BlueCross. VOICE, short for Voices Of Inclusion, Community, and Excellence, is an all-employee choir that brings people together through song.
From powerful performances at Veterans Day and Black History Month ceremonies to uplifting office events, the choir has become a source of connection and inspiration.
“It’s an incredible group of people,” Pat says. “We love volunteering our time to bring joy to employees.”
A legacy of music and meaning
Pat has been part of workplace choirs at BlueCross since the 1970s, but for her, singing is about more than just performing; it’s about giving back, lifting spirits and creating a sense of belonging.
As a leader in operations for BlueCare, she sees music as an extension of her work, intertwining her mission to serve members with the power of song. And whether she’s inspiring co-workers, comforting members or leading worship at church, one thing remains constant: Her voice is a beacon of hope.
“No matter what the circumstances, I hope the message of the song brings hope,” Pat shares.
“I sing because I’m happy, and I sing because I’m free.”