Speaker's Profile

Dr. Stephen Friedhoff is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience in clinical and operational leadership across various healthcare sectors. Most recently reporting to the CEO at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina as Senior VP of Health Care Services, he was responsible for overseeing medical management, behavioral health, network contracting, value-based care, pharmacy services, and payment integrity for a company that serves over 5 million lives and generates nearly $14 billion in revenue. Prior to that, Dr Friedhoff spent 12 years in executive leadership roles at Anthem/Elevance including National Chief Clinical Officer. HeIn addition to his executive role, Dr. Friedhoff actively contributes to several boards and advisory committees, including EXL, Rula, IntusCare, and Rialtic. His previous board positions include FastMed, AvanceCare, Medical Review Institute of America (Summit Partners) and Agape Care (The Vistria Group), where he played key roles in launching new clinical programs and improving service delivery.Dr. Friedhoff has 20+ years of direct patient care experience in community, academic, and hospice/palliative care settings and regularly shares his expertise and enthusiasm for healthcare access and outcomes with diverse audiences, including CEOs, C-suite executives, board members, legislators, regulators, physicians, and health systems. His impactful advocacy has spurred initiatives in critical areas such as Youth Behavioral Health, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Opioid Use Disorders.Dr. Friedhoff's academic credentials include a summa cum laude B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.D. from Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He is also a certified Health Insurance Executive (CHIE) and maintains active medical licenses in multiple states.With a leadership style characterized by authentic engagement and strong stakeholder relationships, Dr. Friedhoff is committed to advancing healthcare delivery through innovation, collaboration, and strategic oversight.