BIP Fall 2024

Letter from the CEO

Forging ahead through passion, purpose and progress

As I reflect on the one-year anniversary of my tenure as CEO, I’m filled with gratitude for the meaning ful connections we’ve forged. We have an incredible legacy of advocacy, leadership and innovation to uphold — one I’m honored to learn from, contribute to and embrace to guide our association forward. As an association, it is essential to know what our competitive advantage is. It’s not just our strong government relations organization or our network ing capabilities; it’s the unparalleled passion of our members. Passion can’t be manufactured; it’s our driving force. While we can acquire new skills and knowledge, it’s this passion that sets us apart and propels us into the future of healthcare, shaping it in ways no one else can replicate. Traveling across states and cities throughout the U.S., I’ve committed to being present and hands-on. Understanding the urgency of now, I’ve sought to

connect quickly with you to build trust and unity. Our mission isn’t just to participate in healthcare but to lead it, setting ourselves apart and driving forward with a shared sense of ac countability and vision. Having spent much of my career in healthcare employer coalitions, I’ve seen the vital role we play — even in rooms where we weren’t even invited to join the conversation. When initiatives need to move forward, your expertise, hard work, deep understanding and exclusive connection to the broader healthcare ecosystem are relied upon. This makes us essential. The future lies in our ability to empathize and understand, ensuring no one is left behind. It’s our responsibility to develop the next genera tion of benefits professionals, creating a pipeline for the future. We must forge new partnerships and relationships, recognizing that we collec tively touch every life in this country, leaving no ZIP code behind. Your efforts facilitate 90% of covered lives, providing security and safety to families and communities. However, coverage alone is not enough. Even with an insurance card in their hand, many still feel under insured, and millions worry about their healthcare costs. This is a weighty responsibility we carry. As we enter open enrollment season, take a moment to acknowledge and recognize your essential role. We’re not merely aspiring to be essential; we are essential. It’s time the world understands our impact.

Through your efforts, people will share stories of how you’ve improved their health and lives, leading with principles and building a healthcare system that truly serves everyone.

“

We are not competitors; we are family,

fighting excessive healthcare costs, unsafe care, fear and regulations that don’t serve our communities.

”

Jessica Brooks-Woods CEO, NABIP

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