Blue Shield of California Foundation appoints Sandra Clarke to its Board of Trustees

New trustee brings wealth of financial expertise to aid mission to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence

SAN FRANCISCO (December 15, 2021) – Sandra Clarke, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Blue Shield of California, has been appointed to Blue Shield of California Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Clarke will join the nine-person board for a three-year term in January, helping oversee the independent nonprofit’s far-reaching vision.

“Sandra Clarke brings key insights from 25 years of experience in global business and financial operations to our Foundation board,” said Kim Belshé, the incoming board chair. “Her mission-driven orientation and deep financial expertise will help guide the Foundation’s efforts to make California the healthiest state and to end domestic violence.”

“As an astute executive who is strategic and well-versed in health and business, Sandra’s leadership will be greatly valued at the Foundation,” said Debbie I. Chang, MPH, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “She brings expertise and vision needed to support the Foundation’s long-term financial health while we work towards equity and health for all Californians.”

Prior to her role at Blue Shield of California, Clarke served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. She also has served in numerous finance roles at other organizations, including Philips Healthcare, where she was chief financial officer of its North & South America Commercial Group, and Siemens Water Technologies Group as vice president and controller of finance.

“I am excited and humbled to join Blue Shield of California Foundation’s Board of Trustees. As an executive at Blue Shield of California, I understand that equity in our health care system is essential, but not enough to achieve true health equity across California. I look forward to bringing my perspective and experience to support the Foundation’s work to address the root causes of health inequity and domestic violence, which extend well beyond the doctor’s office,” Clarke said.

Clarke is a seasoned board member. She currently serves as chair of the Board of Trustees of the Plan Investment Fund, a money market mutual fund for Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and affiliates, and as chair of the board of Evio, a pharmacy solutions startup. She is also a member of the board for the Blue Venture Fund, which invests in venture and growth opportunities within healthcare technology, healthcare services, and clinical sciences. In addition, Clarke serves in leadership roles for Metromile, the San Francisco Chapter of the CFO Leadership Council, and Financial Women of San Francisco.

Clarke will take the place of Gary Cohen, who is retiring in December. Cohen currently serves as vice president of government affairs at Blue Shield of California. Current Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Evelyn Dilsaver’s term ends in December. Upon Dilsaver’s departure, Kim Belshé will become the board chair and Ray Baxter will become chair-elect.

Blue Shield of California Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that is funded entirely by Blue Shield of California. Learn more about Blue Shield of California Foundation and its Board of Trustees here.