Embattled Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island President and CEO Ronald A. Battista is stepping down, the nonprofit announced this morning following a board of directors meeting.
“While we deeply appreciate the extraordinary service Ron Battista provided to this company, we have also come to understand that his continued service in this environment will distract us from our mission,” said Board Chairman Frank J. Montanaro.
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Battista has become the center of a firestorm of controversy surrounding Rhode Island’s largest health insurer in recent months. The nonprofit organization has been roundly criticized for several of its expenditures, including forgiving a $600,000 loan to Battista. Battista agreed to pay back a portion of the loan, only after members of the health care community, the General Assembly and businesses expressed outrage over the deal.
Battista has been credited with restoring Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s financial health in recent years.
James E. Purcell, Blue Cross executive vice president, was elected by the board to act as interim president while a national search is undertaken.
