Paul Markovich is a nationally recognized healthcare leader and President and CEO of Ascendiun, the nonprofit parent organization overseeing Blue Shield of California and its affiliated entities. From 2013 to 2024, he served as President and CEO of Blue Shield – a mission-driven, nonprofit health plan headquartered in Oakland and serving 4.8 million Californians where he championed access to affordable, high-quality care. Under his leadership, Blue Shield administered California’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution network, co-led the state’s testing task force, and launched initiatives to modernize care and expand health equity statewide.  

A Rhodes Scholar with a long record of advancing nonprofit health care, Mr. Markovich has been honored with the Corporate Health Award from National Medical Fellowships, among numerous accolades recognizing his innovation and commitment to equity. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer and, earlier, led Blue Shield’s CalPERS business unit as Senior Vice President before taking on the Large Group business portfolio. He currently serves on the boards of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and America’s Health Insurance Plans and is an Oakland resident.