In today’s complex world, the details matter, especially to Shanna Marzilli. The Providence College graduate has been on an ever-rising career trajectory at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island thanks to an attention to constant improvement of the insurer’s inner workings, inspired by her colleagues.
“The energy, commitment, excitement and sense of humor the team brings to” improving the cost and quality of health care, she said in her 40 Under Forty application, “inspires me to be a better leader for them and for our company.”
Marzilli started her career as a health-policy analyst for the R.I. Department of Health, but soon thereafter went to work for Blue Cross in its compliance group.
Her career path at BCBSRI started in regulatory compliance and then moved on to helping improve the insurer’s BlueCHip HMO plan, where she helped the program better balance physician and access options with the need to develop uniform practices aimed at improving health outcomes.
Following four years in that role, she was named an assistant vice president for corporate compliance and ethics, and assumed responsibility for creating BCBSRI’s Corporate Compliance & Ethics Program, which tripled compliance incident/inquiry reporting.
Since late 2007, Marzilli has been hard at work helping the insurer’s board and leadership team create a strategic plan to improve quality and affordability of health care coverage.
As much as she has been rewarded by her employer for contributions to its success, Marzilli has been recognized in the community for her commitment as well. She is currently a member of the board of directors of the Rhode Island chapter of the March of Dimes, after serving previously on the boards of Planned Parenthood and the Literacy Volunteers of Rhode Island. •
