Anthem President Monica Schmude Recognized as One of the Most Powerful Women in Washington

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia announced today that its Plan President Monica Schmude has been named by Washingtonian magazine as one of its most influential women shaping government, business, law, media, and nonprofits.

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Monica Schmude, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia (Photo: Business Wire)

Schmude is listed with eleven other dynamic leaders making a difference in the field of medicine. “More than three years after the onset of the pandemic, our hospital systems, healthcare services, and research institutes are as important as ever, many of them guided by women,” said the Washingtonian about its recipients in the medical field.

The magazine selected its roster after consulting industry leaders, news outlets, and influential institutions to gauge those currently wielding the most power. “From arts, nonprofit, and media mavens to corporate, political, and legal powerhouses, here are 169 women making a mark in Washington,” stated the magazine.

“What an honor for me to be in a class with some truly amazing women that are making a difference in this world,” said Schmude. “I wake up each morning excited to tackle the challenges we face in healthcare today and collaborating with other strong, influential women will create a pathway to healthier communities. That is something we can all celebrate.”

Monica joined Anthem in April 2023 and previously served as the Market President for Cigna Healthcare in the Mid-Atlantic Region, which included the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Her prior roles during her 13-year tenure with Cigna included President of the Liberty Valley market and a series of progressively responsible roles in the Mid-Atlantic market.

Before joining Cigna, Monica was with Aetna as the manager of sales and business services for its middle market segment business in Chicago and additionally served as the business services leader in the MidAtlantic. She began her career for Guardian Insurance Company as a claims examiner and has more than 30 years of industry experience.

Monica earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology with a concentration in women’s studies from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She currently serves on the boards of Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Marymount University Board of Trustees, Choral Arts Society of Washington, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) National Advisory Council. She previously served on the Dean’s Council University of Maryland School of Public Health, Mid-Atlantic Business Group on Health, Greater Washington Board of Trade Board of Directors, and Girls on the Run Northern Virginia. She is a member of The Economic Club of Washington DC and Leadership Greater Washington Class of 2020. She was named to the 2019 Most Powerful Women in Washington (Washingtonian Magazine), recipient of the 2019 March of Dimes Heroine of Washington Award, served as the 2019 Program Chair for the Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy, 2021 Most Powerful Women in Washington (Washingtonian Magazine), and was named an honoree for the Washington Business Journals 2021 Women Who Mean Business awards.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia

Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliate HealthKeepers, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Elevance Health. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.

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