Newly created role to lead all communications functions, community relations
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has appointed Roy Vaughn as senior vice president and chief communications officer.
Vaughn will oversee all communication functions at BlueCross including: public affairs and media relations; internal communications; brand strategy, market research and advertising; marketing communications; and provider communications. Additionally, he will be responsible for the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation and community relations.
“Roy is a proven leader whose expertise in strategic communications is recognized at the local, state and national levels,” said JD Hickey, president and CEO of BlueCross. “At a time of tremendous change in our industry, effective communications and community outreach are more important than ever and we’re pleased to have him lead these efforts.”
Vaughn joined BlueCross in 2007 as director of communications and was quickly promoted to the role of vice president for that function. Prior to BlueCross, Vaughn was a partner in the Nashville public relations firm of Katcher Vaughn & Bailey Public Relations and spent 10 years in leadership positions with other Nashville public relations agencies, specializing in health care and reputation management.
Vaughn holds an Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), where he served as chair of the organization’s Counselors Academy. Additionally, Vaughn is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society, the world’s leading association of senior public relations and corporate communication executives.
He is a member of the board of trustees for the Middle Tennessee State University College of Media & Entertainment, where he earned his degree. Vaughn is a past chairman of the board of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation. He is also a board member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga and Urban League of Greater Chattanooga.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide peace of mind through better health. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on serving more than 3.3 million members in Tennessee and across the country. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s website at bcbst.com.