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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Gail Boudreaux
| name = Gail Boudreaux
| birth_name   = Gail Koziara
| birth_name = Gail Koziara
| nationality   = American
| nationality = American
| occupation   = Healthcare executive
| occupation = Business executive
| known_for     = President and CEO of [[Elevance Health]] (formerly Anthem, Inc.)
| known_for = President and CEO of [[Elevance Health]] (formerly Anthem, Inc.)
| title         = President and CEO of Elevance Health
| employer = Elevance Health
| title = President and Chief Executive Officer
}}
}}


Gail Boudreaux is an American healthcare executive who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of [[Elevance Health]], one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, formerly known as Anthem, Inc. A former collegiate and professional basketball player, Boudreaux transitioned into a career in the healthcare industry, rising through executive roles at several major insurance and health benefits companies before being named to lead Anthem in 2017. Under her leadership, the company rebranded to Elevance Health and has navigated a period of significant change in the American healthcare landscape. Forbes ranked Boudreaux number 14 on its 2025 Power Women list,<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-12-10 |title=Gail Boudreaux |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/gail-boudreaux/ |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> and Modern Healthcare named her to its list of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare in 2025.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-12-08 |title=Gail Boudreaux: 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare 2025 |url=http://www.modernhealthcare.com/awards/100-most-influential/2025/mh-gail-boudreaux/ |work=Modern Healthcare |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Boudreaux has also been a prominent figure in national discussions about healthcare affordability and insurance costs, testifying before the United States Congress on these topics.
'''Gail Koziara Boudreaux''' is an American business executive who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of [[Elevance Health]], one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, formerly known as Anthem, Inc. Under her leadership, the company underwent a significant corporate rebranding and has navigated a complex and evolving healthcare landscape marked by rising costs, regulatory scrutiny, and shifting consumer expectations. Before assuming the top role at Anthem in 2017, Boudreaux held senior executive positions at several major healthcare organizations, building a career that spans decades in the managed care industry. A former collegiate and professional basketball player, Boudreaux's trajectory from athletic competition to the corner office of a Fortune 500 company has made her one of the most prominent women in American business. She has been consistently recognized among the most powerful and influential figures in healthcare, including placement at number 14 on Forbes' 2025 Power Women list<ref>{{cite web |title=Gail Boudreaux |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/gail-boudreaux/ |publisher=Forbes |date=2025-12-10 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> and inclusion in Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gail Boudreaux: 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare 2025 |url=http://www.modernhealthcare.com/awards/100-most-influential/2025/mh-gail-boudreaux/ |publisher=Modern Healthcare |date=2025-12-08 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Gail Boudreaux was born Gail Koziara and grew up in a working-class family. Her father was a steelworker. She developed a strong interest in athletics from an early age, particularly in basketball, which would prove instrumental in shaping her early career trajectory and educational opportunities. Boudreaux's athletic talent earned her a scholarship to attend college, providing a pathway to higher education that might otherwise have been difficult for her family to finance.
Gail Koziara Boudreaux was born and raised in a working-class family. She grew up in a household that valued education and athletic discipline. From a young age, Boudreaux demonstrated notable athletic ability, particularly in basketball, which would become a defining feature of her formative years and shape her approach to leadership and competition in her later business career.
 
Boudreaux attended Dartmouth College, where she was a standout athlete. She played on the women's basketball team and became one of the most accomplished players in the program's history. Her athletic career at Dartmouth included significant individual achievements and she was recognized as a leader on the court. Her experience in competitive athletics at the collegiate level instilled in her a discipline, resilience, and team-oriented mindset that she has frequently cited as formative influences on her approach to business management.
 
After her collegiate career, Boudreaux continued to pursue basketball at higher levels of competition. She played professionally and was involved in competitive basketball beyond the college level, an experience that further developed her leadership skills and competitive drive before she transitioned into the corporate world.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Boudreaux attended Dartmouth College, where she was a standout athlete on the women's basketball team. She was a four-year starter and set multiple records during her time at the school. Her athletic accomplishments at Dartmouth earned her significant recognition, and she was later inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame. After completing her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth, Boudreaux went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Columbia Business School, which provided the foundation for her subsequent career in business and healthcare management.
Boudreaux earned her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, where she was both a student and a varsity basketball player. She later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Columbia Business School, equipping her with the formal business training that would complement her leadership instincts and athletic discipline as she entered the healthcare industry.


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early Career in Healthcare ===
=== Early Career in Health Insurance ===


After completing her MBA, Boudreaux entered the healthcare industry and built her career through a series of progressively senior executive positions at major health insurance and benefits companies. She held leadership roles at Aetna, where she gained extensive experience in managed care and health benefits administration. She rose to become the executive vice president of Aetna's national businesses. Her tenure at Aetna provided her with deep expertise in the operational and strategic aspects of large-scale health insurance operations.
Boudreaux began her career in the health insurance industry and rose through the ranks of several major organizations. She held senior leadership positions at Aetna, where she served as Executive Vice President and led the company's largest business unit. Her tenure at Aetna was marked by her management of large-scale health plan operations and her focus on improving operational efficiency and customer experience in managed care. She also held leadership roles at BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois and Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), one of the largest customer-owned health insurers in the United States. At HCSC, she served as President and CEO, overseeing a multi-state health plan operation that served millions of members.


Boudreaux subsequently served as CEO of United Healthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group, one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. In this role, she oversaw the operations of one of the nation's largest health insurance businesses, gaining further experience managing large, complex organizations in the healthcare sector. Her track record of leadership at multiple major healthcare companies positioned her as one of the most experienced executives in the American health insurance industry.
Her career trajectory through these major health insurance organizations established her as a seasoned executive with deep expertise in managed care, health plan operations, and the complexities of the American healthcare system. By the time she was recruited to lead Anthem, Boudreaux had accumulated decades of experience managing large, complex health insurance operations.


=== Leadership at Anthem / Elevance Health ===
=== President and CEO of Elevance Health ===


In November 2017, Boudreaux was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Anthem, Inc., succeeding Joseph Swedish. The appointment made her one of the few women leading a Fortune 500 company and the head of one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States. Anthem, which at the time served approximately 40 million members through its affiliated health plans, was a major presence in the Blue Cross Blue Shield system.
Boudreaux was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Anthem, Inc. in November 2017, succeeding Joseph Swedish. She became one of the few women leading a Fortune 500 company and the first woman to lead Anthem. Her appointment was seen as a significant moment both for the company and for women in corporate leadership more broadly.


Under Boudreaux's leadership, the company underwent a significant corporate rebranding in 2022, changing its name from Anthem, Inc. to Elevance Health. The name change was intended to reflect the company's broader strategy of moving beyond traditional health insurance to become a more comprehensive health services organization. The rebranding encompassed the company's growing focus on pharmacy benefits, behavioral health, and data analytics, in addition to its core insurance business.
Under Boudreaux's leadership, the company underwent a major corporate rebranding in 2022, changing its name from Anthem, Inc. to Elevance Health. The name change was designed to reflect the company's strategic evolution beyond traditional health insurance into a broader health services company. The rebranding signaled Boudreaux's vision of positioning the company as a comprehensive health solutions organization, encompassing pharmacy benefits, behavioral health, clinical services, and data analytics alongside its core health insurance business.


Boudreaux has led Elevance Health through a period of considerable strategic evolution. The company has pursued a strategy of diversification, expanding into healthcare services and technology beyond its traditional insurance operations. This approach has been part of a broader trend among major health insurers to vertically integrate and expand their roles in the healthcare value chain.
Boudreaux has led Elevance Health through a period of significant growth and strategic transformation. The company has expanded its Carelon health services division, which provides pharmacy, behavioral health, palliative care, and other services. This diversification strategy has been central to Boudreaux's approach to managing the company, aiming to create multiple revenue streams and reduce dependence on traditional health plan premiums alone.


=== Navigating Cost Pressures ===
=== Navigating Cost Pressures and Industry Challenges ===


During her tenure, Boudreaux has faced the challenge of managing healthcare cost pressures that have affected the broader insurance industry. In July 2025, Boudreaux addressed these challenges during the company's second-quarter earnings call, stating that Elevance Health was taking "concrete steps" to address cost pressures in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid markets. The company lowered its 2025 financial guidance amid these pressures, reflecting the difficulty of managing costs in segments of the market that serve lower-income and subsidized populations.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-07-17 |title=Elevance Health CEO Gail Boudreaux says company taking 'concrete steps' to address cost pressures |url=https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/elevance-health-lowers-2025-guidance-amid-cost-pressures-aca-medicaid-markets |work=Fierce Healthcare |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
A defining challenge of Boudreaux's tenure has been managing rising healthcare costs, a systemic issue affecting the entire American healthcare system. The company has faced cost pressures particularly in its Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans and Medicaid business segments.


The issue of healthcare affordability became a significant national concern during this period, and health insurance companies including Elevance Health faced increasing scrutiny from legislators, the media, and the public regarding rising premiums and healthcare costs. The debate intensified following the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which drew widespread public attention to frustrations with the health insurance industry.
In July 2025, Boudreaux addressed these challenges directly during the company's second-quarter earnings call, stating that Elevance Health was taking "concrete steps" to address cost pressures affecting its business. The company lowered its 2025 financial guidance amid ongoing cost challenges in its ACA and Medicaid markets.<ref>{{cite news |title=Elevance Health CEO Gail Boudreaux says company taking 'concrete steps' to address cost pressures |url=https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/elevance-health-lowers-2025-guidance-amid-cost-pressures-aca-medicaid-markets |work=Fierce Healthcare |date=2025-07-17 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The guidance reduction reflected broader industry trends, including higher-than-expected medical utilization rates and the financial impact of Medicaid redeterminations following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency's continuous enrollment provisions.


=== Congressional Testimony ===
=== Congressional Testimony on Healthcare Affordability ===


In January 2026, Boudreaux was among several major health insurance company CEOs who testified before the United States Congress on the issue of healthcare affordability. The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the House Ways and Means Committee held hearings on January 22, 2026, at which commercial health insurer CEOs, including Boudreaux, were called to testify about soaring healthcare costs and rising premiums.<ref>{{cite web |title=Commercial health insurer CEOs testify on health care affordability; AHA submits statements for House hearings |url=https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-01-22-commercial-health-insurer-ceos-testify-health-care-affordability-aha-submits-statements-house-hearings |publisher=American Hospital Association |date=2026-01-22 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Leaders Release Details for Health Insurance Company Hearings |url=https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/energy-and-commerce-and-ways-and-means-leaders-release-details-for-health-insurance-company-hearings |publisher=House Committee on Energy and Commerce |date=2026-01 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In January 2026, Boudreaux was among the CEOs of major commercial health insurers who testified before the United States Congress on the issue of healthcare affordability and rising premiums. The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the House Ways and Means Committee held hearings on January 22, 2026, calling insurance company executives to address concerns about soaring healthcare costs for American consumers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Commercial health insurer CEOs testify on health care affordability; AHA submits statements for House hearings |url=https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-01-22-commercial-health-insurer-ceos-testify-health-care-affordability-aha-submits-statements-house-hearings |work=American Hospital Association |date=2026-01-22 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


The hearings were convened by Congressman Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. During the hearings, top health insurance executives, including Boudreaux, attributed rising healthcare costs primarily to increasing hospital prices and prescription drug prices, rather than to insurance company practices.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-22 |title=Health insurance CEOs point fingers over soaring health care costs |url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5701982-health-care-costs-insurance-ceos-testimony/ |work=The Hill |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The American Hospital Association submitted statements for the hearings that offered an alternative perspective, highlighting insurer practices they viewed as contributing to costs.<ref name="aha">{{cite web |title=Commercial health insurer CEOs testify on health care affordability; AHA submits statements for House hearings |url=https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-01-22-commercial-health-insurer-ceos-testify-health-care-affordability-aha-submits-statements-house-hearings |publisher=American Hospital Association |date=2026-01-22 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
During the hearings, top health insurance executives, including Boudreaux, attributed rising healthcare costs to increasing hospital and prescription drug prices rather than insurer practices, pointing to what they characterized as systemic cost drivers within the broader healthcare supply chain.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-01-22 |title=Health insurance CEOs point fingers over soaring health care costs |url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5701982-health-care-costs-insurance-ceos-testimony/ |work=The Hill |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The testimony occurred amid a period of intense public and political scrutiny of health insurance companies, as premiums continued to rise and consumers expressed growing frustration with the cost of healthcare in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=Watch live: Health insurance CEOs testify before House on rising premiums |url=https://thehill.com/video-clips/5701374-watch-live-health-insurance-ceos-house-ways-and-means-hearing/ |work=The Hill |date=2026-01-22 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


The testimony received significant media coverage, with The Hill broadcasting the hearings live and reporting extensively on the exchanges between lawmakers and the insurance executives.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-22 |title=Watch live: Health insurance CEOs testify before House on rising premiums |url=https://thehill.com/video-clips/5701374-watch-live-health-insurance-ceos-house-ways-and-means-hearing/ |work=The Hill |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The hearings reflected the heightened scrutiny the health insurance industry faced in the wake of public frustration over healthcare costs, and Boudreaux's appearance before Congress represented a high-profile moment in the national debate over the causes of and potential solutions to healthcare unaffordability.
The hearings highlighted the ongoing tension between insurers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and policymakers over accountability for healthcare costs. The American Hospital Association submitted statements for both hearings, presenting a different perspective on cost drivers in the healthcare system.<ref name="aha">{{cite news |title=Commercial health insurer CEOs testify on health care affordability; AHA submits statements for House hearings |url=https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-01-22-commercial-health-insurer-ceos-testify-health-care-affordability-aha-submits-statements-house-hearings |work=American Hospital Association |date=2026-01-22 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Observers noted that the hearings underscored the need for what some described as "systemic" change in the healthcare industry, with multiple stakeholders calling for structural reforms to the way healthcare is priced and delivered in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ascendiun CEO Paul Markovich: House hearings highlight need for 'systemic' change in healthcare |url=https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/insurance-ceos-set-back-back-congressional-hearings-affordability |work=Fierce Healthcare |date=2026-01-22 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Recognition ==
=== Strategic Direction ===


Boudreaux has received significant recognition for her leadership in the healthcare industry. Forbes ranked her number 14 on its 2025 Power Women list, placing her among the most influential women in the world across business, government, and philanthropy.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-12-10 |title=Gail Boudreaux |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/gail-boudreaux/ |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Modern Healthcare named her to its 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare list for 2025, recognizing her role in shaping the direction of one of the nation's largest health companies.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-12-08 |title=Gail Boudreaux: 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare 2025 |url=http://www.modernhealthcare.com/awards/100-most-influential/2025/mh-gail-boudreaux/ |work=Modern Healthcare |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Under Boudreaux, Elevance Health has pursued a strategy of diversifying beyond traditional health insurance. The company has invested in its Carelon health services subsidiary, which operates across pharmacy benefits, behavioral health, post-acute care, and other clinical services. This diversification strategy reflects a broader trend among major health insurers to vertically integrate and offer a wider range of health-related services.


Boudreaux has appeared on multiple Forbes lists over the course of her career, reflecting her sustained prominence as one of the most powerful women in American business. Her ranking on the 2025 Power Women list was particularly notable given the intense public scrutiny the health insurance industry faced during that period.
Boudreaux has also overseen Elevance Health's continued focus on its government-sponsored health plans, including Medicaid managed care and Medicare Advantage. These business lines represent a significant and growing portion of the company's membership and revenue. The management of these government programs has presented both opportunities for growth and challenges related to regulatory requirements, reimbursement rates, and the health needs of vulnerable populations.


In addition to her recognition in the business press, Boudreaux's athletic career at Dartmouth College earned her induction into the school's athletic hall of fame, honoring her contributions as a collegiate basketball player. Her dual achievements in athletics and business have made her a notable figure in discussions about women's leadership in both sports and corporate America.
The company's digital health initiatives and data analytics capabilities have also been areas of investment under Boudreaux's leadership, as Elevance Health has sought to use technology to improve health outcomes, streamline administrative processes, and enhance the member experience.


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Gail Boudreaux is married and has children. She was a competitive athlete before entering the business world, having played basketball at the collegiate level at Dartmouth College and briefly at the professional level. Her background in competitive athletics has been noted in profiles as contributing to her leadership style and competitive approach to business.
Gail Koziara Boudreaux is married to Scott Boudreaux. She has maintained a relatively private personal life despite her high-profile corporate role. Boudreaux has spoken publicly about the influence of her athletic background on her leadership approach, noting that the discipline, teamwork, and competitive mindset developed through basketball have been central to her management philosophy.
 
She has been involved in various corporate boards and civic activities throughout her career. Boudreaux has served on the boards of several organizations, reflecting her engagement with issues in healthcare policy, business leadership, and community development.
 
== Recognition ==
 
Boudreaux has received extensive recognition for her leadership in the healthcare industry and her standing as a prominent woman in American business. In 2025, she was ranked number 14 on the Forbes Power Women list, one of the most prominent annual rankings of influential women globally.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gail Boudreaux |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/gail-boudreaux/ |publisher=Forbes |date=2025-12-10 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> This ranking placed her among heads of state, technology executives, and other business leaders, reflecting her influence as the leader of one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States.
 
Also in 2025, Modern Healthcare named Boudreaux to its annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare, a recognition of her impact on the healthcare industry and her role in shaping the strategic direction of one of its largest companies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gail Boudreaux: 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare 2025 |url=http://www.modernhealthcare.com/awards/100-most-influential/2025/mh-gail-boudreaux/ |publisher=Modern Healthcare |date=2025-12-08 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Boudreaux has served on various corporate and nonprofit boards throughout her career, reflecting her involvement in the broader business and civic community beyond her role at Elevance Health.
Boudreaux has been a recurring presence on Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business list and has been recognized by numerous other publications and organizations for her leadership. Her consistent placement on these rankings over multiple years reflects her sustained influence in both the healthcare sector and the broader American business community.


It should be noted that an obituary published in November 2025 for a Gail Marie Broussard Boudreaux, aged 83, of Louisiana, pertains to a different individual and is unrelated to the Elevance Health executive.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gail Broussard Boudreaux Obituary November 11, 2025 |url=https://www.friouxfunerals.com/obituaries/gail-boudreaux |publisher=Frioux David Funeral Home |date=2025-11-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
As a former collegiate athlete, Boudreaux has also been recognized for her athletic achievements, including honors related to her basketball career at Dartmouth College.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


As one of the few women to lead a Fortune 500 healthcare company, Boudreaux's career represents a notable chapter in the history of women in American corporate leadership. Her ascent from a working-class background through athletic achievement, elite education, and a series of progressively senior executive positions at major healthcare companies to the top role at one of the nation's largest health insurers has been cited as an example of upward mobility in American business.
Gail Boudreaux's career represents a significant chapter in the history of women in corporate leadership in the United States. As one of the few women to lead a Fortune 500 healthcare company, her tenure at Elevance Health has occurred during a period of profound change in the American healthcare system, marked by debates over affordability, access, and the role of private insurers in delivering healthcare.


Boudreaux's tenure at Elevance Health has coincided with a period of significant transformation in the American healthcare industry, as traditional insurers have sought to expand into broader health services roles. The rebranding of Anthem to Elevance Health under her leadership reflected this strategic shift and represented one of the more prominent corporate identity changes in the healthcare sector during this era.
Her strategic decision to rebrand Anthem as Elevance Health and diversify the company's operations beyond traditional insurance reflects a broader industry shift in which major health insurers have sought to transform themselves into comprehensive health services companies. Whether this strategic transformation achieves its long-term objectives remains to be seen, but the direction Boudreaux has set for the company has influenced how the industry conceptualizes the future of managed care.


Her appearance before Congress in January 2026, alongside other major insurer CEOs, marked a notable moment in the ongoing national debate over healthcare affordability. The hearings placed Boudreaux and her peers at the center of a contentious policy discussion about the role of insurance companies in driving or mitigating healthcare costs, a debate that remains unresolved and continues to shape the political landscape around healthcare in the United States.
Boudreaux's testimony before Congress in January 2026, alongside other major insurance CEOs, placed her at the center of one of the most consequential policy debates in American healthcare: the question of who bears responsibility for rising costs and what structural changes are needed to make healthcare more affordable. The outcome of these debates, and the role that companies like Elevance Health play in shaping them, will be a significant part of her professional legacy.


Boudreaux's leadership has also been shaped by the broader challenges facing the health insurance industry, including rising medical costs, the complexities of the Medicaid redetermination process, cost pressures in the ACA marketplace, and heightened public scrutiny of insurer practices. Her responses to these challenges, including the strategic adjustments announced during 2025 earnings calls and her testimony before Congress, will likely be evaluated by industry observers and historians as part of a broader assessment of how the health insurance industry navigated this turbulent period.
Her career trajectory—from collegiate athlete to the leader of a major Fortune 500 company—has also made her a notable figure in discussions about women's leadership in corporate America and the pathways that women have taken to reach the highest levels of business management.


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Dartmouth College alumni]]
[[Category:Dartmouth College alumni]]
[[Category:Columbia Business School alumni]]
[[Category:Columbia Business School alumni]]
[[Category:Fortune 500 chief executive officers]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:American women chief executives]]
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Latest revision as of 04:37, 24 February 2026




Gail Boudreaux
BornGail Koziara
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusiness executive
TitlePresident and Chief Executive Officer
EmployerElevance Health
Known forPresident and CEO of Elevance Health (formerly Anthem, Inc.)

Gail Koziara Boudreaux is an American business executive who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Elevance Health, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, formerly known as Anthem, Inc. Under her leadership, the company underwent a significant corporate rebranding and has navigated a complex and evolving healthcare landscape marked by rising costs, regulatory scrutiny, and shifting consumer expectations. Before assuming the top role at Anthem in 2017, Boudreaux held senior executive positions at several major healthcare organizations, building a career that spans decades in the managed care industry. A former collegiate and professional basketball player, Boudreaux's trajectory from athletic competition to the corner office of a Fortune 500 company has made her one of the most prominent women in American business. She has been consistently recognized among the most powerful and influential figures in healthcare, including placement at number 14 on Forbes' 2025 Power Women list[1] and inclusion in Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2025.[2]

Early Life

Gail Koziara Boudreaux was born and raised in a working-class family. She grew up in a household that valued education and athletic discipline. From a young age, Boudreaux demonstrated notable athletic ability, particularly in basketball, which would become a defining feature of her formative years and shape her approach to leadership and competition in her later business career.

Boudreaux attended Dartmouth College, where she was a standout athlete. She played on the women's basketball team and became one of the most accomplished players in the program's history. Her athletic career at Dartmouth included significant individual achievements and she was recognized as a leader on the court. Her experience in competitive athletics at the collegiate level instilled in her a discipline, resilience, and team-oriented mindset that she has frequently cited as formative influences on her approach to business management.

After her collegiate career, Boudreaux continued to pursue basketball at higher levels of competition. She played professionally and was involved in competitive basketball beyond the college level, an experience that further developed her leadership skills and competitive drive before she transitioned into the corporate world.

Education

Boudreaux earned her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, where she was both a student and a varsity basketball player. She later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Columbia Business School, equipping her with the formal business training that would complement her leadership instincts and athletic discipline as she entered the healthcare industry.

Career

Early Career in Health Insurance

Boudreaux began her career in the health insurance industry and rose through the ranks of several major organizations. She held senior leadership positions at Aetna, where she served as Executive Vice President and led the company's largest business unit. Her tenure at Aetna was marked by her management of large-scale health plan operations and her focus on improving operational efficiency and customer experience in managed care. She also held leadership roles at BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois and Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), one of the largest customer-owned health insurers in the United States. At HCSC, she served as President and CEO, overseeing a multi-state health plan operation that served millions of members.

Her career trajectory through these major health insurance organizations established her as a seasoned executive with deep expertise in managed care, health plan operations, and the complexities of the American healthcare system. By the time she was recruited to lead Anthem, Boudreaux had accumulated decades of experience managing large, complex health insurance operations.

President and CEO of Elevance Health

Boudreaux was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Anthem, Inc. in November 2017, succeeding Joseph Swedish. She became one of the few women leading a Fortune 500 company and the first woman to lead Anthem. Her appointment was seen as a significant moment both for the company and for women in corporate leadership more broadly.

Under Boudreaux's leadership, the company underwent a major corporate rebranding in 2022, changing its name from Anthem, Inc. to Elevance Health. The name change was designed to reflect the company's strategic evolution beyond traditional health insurance into a broader health services company. The rebranding signaled Boudreaux's vision of positioning the company as a comprehensive health solutions organization, encompassing pharmacy benefits, behavioral health, clinical services, and data analytics alongside its core health insurance business.

Boudreaux has led Elevance Health through a period of significant growth and strategic transformation. The company has expanded its Carelon health services division, which provides pharmacy, behavioral health, palliative care, and other services. This diversification strategy has been central to Boudreaux's approach to managing the company, aiming to create multiple revenue streams and reduce dependence on traditional health plan premiums alone.

Navigating Cost Pressures and Industry Challenges

A defining challenge of Boudreaux's tenure has been managing rising healthcare costs, a systemic issue affecting the entire American healthcare system. The company has faced cost pressures particularly in its Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans and Medicaid business segments.

In July 2025, Boudreaux addressed these challenges directly during the company's second-quarter earnings call, stating that Elevance Health was taking "concrete steps" to address cost pressures affecting its business. The company lowered its 2025 financial guidance amid ongoing cost challenges in its ACA and Medicaid markets.[3] The guidance reduction reflected broader industry trends, including higher-than-expected medical utilization rates and the financial impact of Medicaid redeterminations following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency's continuous enrollment provisions.

Congressional Testimony on Healthcare Affordability

In January 2026, Boudreaux was among the CEOs of major commercial health insurers who testified before the United States Congress on the issue of healthcare affordability and rising premiums. The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the House Ways and Means Committee held hearings on January 22, 2026, calling insurance company executives to address concerns about soaring healthcare costs for American consumers.[4]

During the hearings, top health insurance executives, including Boudreaux, attributed rising healthcare costs to increasing hospital and prescription drug prices rather than insurer practices, pointing to what they characterized as systemic cost drivers within the broader healthcare supply chain.[5] The testimony occurred amid a period of intense public and political scrutiny of health insurance companies, as premiums continued to rise and consumers expressed growing frustration with the cost of healthcare in the United States.[6]

The hearings highlighted the ongoing tension between insurers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and policymakers over accountability for healthcare costs. The American Hospital Association submitted statements for both hearings, presenting a different perspective on cost drivers in the healthcare system.[7] Observers noted that the hearings underscored the need for what some described as "systemic" change in the healthcare industry, with multiple stakeholders calling for structural reforms to the way healthcare is priced and delivered in the United States.[8]

Strategic Direction

Under Boudreaux, Elevance Health has pursued a strategy of diversifying beyond traditional health insurance. The company has invested in its Carelon health services subsidiary, which operates across pharmacy benefits, behavioral health, post-acute care, and other clinical services. This diversification strategy reflects a broader trend among major health insurers to vertically integrate and offer a wider range of health-related services.

Boudreaux has also overseen Elevance Health's continued focus on its government-sponsored health plans, including Medicaid managed care and Medicare Advantage. These business lines represent a significant and growing portion of the company's membership and revenue. The management of these government programs has presented both opportunities for growth and challenges related to regulatory requirements, reimbursement rates, and the health needs of vulnerable populations.

The company's digital health initiatives and data analytics capabilities have also been areas of investment under Boudreaux's leadership, as Elevance Health has sought to use technology to improve health outcomes, streamline administrative processes, and enhance the member experience.

Personal Life

Gail Koziara Boudreaux is married to Scott Boudreaux. She has maintained a relatively private personal life despite her high-profile corporate role. Boudreaux has spoken publicly about the influence of her athletic background on her leadership approach, noting that the discipline, teamwork, and competitive mindset developed through basketball have been central to her management philosophy.

She has been involved in various corporate boards and civic activities throughout her career. Boudreaux has served on the boards of several organizations, reflecting her engagement with issues in healthcare policy, business leadership, and community development.

Recognition

Boudreaux has received extensive recognition for her leadership in the healthcare industry and her standing as a prominent woman in American business. In 2025, she was ranked number 14 on the Forbes Power Women list, one of the most prominent annual rankings of influential women globally.[9] This ranking placed her among heads of state, technology executives, and other business leaders, reflecting her influence as the leader of one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States.

Also in 2025, Modern Healthcare named Boudreaux to its annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare, a recognition of her impact on the healthcare industry and her role in shaping the strategic direction of one of its largest companies.[10]

Boudreaux has been a recurring presence on Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business list and has been recognized by numerous other publications and organizations for her leadership. Her consistent placement on these rankings over multiple years reflects her sustained influence in both the healthcare sector and the broader American business community.

As a former collegiate athlete, Boudreaux has also been recognized for her athletic achievements, including honors related to her basketball career at Dartmouth College.

Legacy

Gail Boudreaux's career represents a significant chapter in the history of women in corporate leadership in the United States. As one of the few women to lead a Fortune 500 healthcare company, her tenure at Elevance Health has occurred during a period of profound change in the American healthcare system, marked by debates over affordability, access, and the role of private insurers in delivering healthcare.

Her strategic decision to rebrand Anthem as Elevance Health and diversify the company's operations beyond traditional insurance reflects a broader industry shift in which major health insurers have sought to transform themselves into comprehensive health services companies. Whether this strategic transformation achieves its long-term objectives remains to be seen, but the direction Boudreaux has set for the company has influenced how the industry conceptualizes the future of managed care.

Boudreaux's testimony before Congress in January 2026, alongside other major insurance CEOs, placed her at the center of one of the most consequential policy debates in American healthcare: the question of who bears responsibility for rising costs and what structural changes are needed to make healthcare more affordable. The outcome of these debates, and the role that companies like Elevance Health play in shaping them, will be a significant part of her professional legacy.

Her career trajectory—from collegiate athlete to the leader of a major Fortune 500 company—has also made her a notable figure in discussions about women's leadership in corporate America and the pathways that women have taken to reach the highest levels of business management.

References

  1. ↑ "Gail Boudreaux".Forbes.2025-12-10.https://www.forbes.com/profile/gail-boudreaux/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ "Gail Boudreaux: 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare 2025".Modern Healthcare.2025-12-08.http://www.modernhealthcare.com/awards/100-most-influential/2025/mh-gail-boudreaux/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ "Elevance Health CEO Gail Boudreaux says company taking 'concrete steps' to address cost pressures".Fierce Healthcare.2025-07-17.https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/elevance-health-lowers-2025-guidance-amid-cost-pressures-aca-medicaid-markets.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "Commercial health insurer CEOs testify on health care affordability; AHA submits statements for House hearings".American Hospital Association.2026-01-22.https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-01-22-commercial-health-insurer-ceos-testify-health-care-affordability-aha-submits-statements-house-hearings.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "Health insurance CEOs point fingers over soaring health care costs".The Hill.2026-01-22.https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5701982-health-care-costs-insurance-ceos-testimony/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ "Watch live: Health insurance CEOs testify before House on rising premiums".The Hill.2026-01-22.https://thehill.com/video-clips/5701374-watch-live-health-insurance-ceos-house-ways-and-means-hearing/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "Commercial health insurer CEOs testify on health care affordability; AHA submits statements for House hearings".American Hospital Association.2026-01-22.https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-01-22-commercial-health-insurer-ceos-testify-health-care-affordability-aha-submits-statements-house-hearings.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "Ascendiun CEO Paul Markovich: House hearings highlight need for 'systemic' change in healthcare".Fierce Healthcare.2026-01-22.https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/insurance-ceos-set-back-back-congressional-hearings-affordability.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "Gail Boudreaux".Forbes.2025-12-10.https://www.forbes.com/profile/gail-boudreaux/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "Gail Boudreaux: 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare 2025".Modern Healthcare.2025-12-08.http://www.modernhealthcare.com/awards/100-most-influential/2025/mh-gail-boudreaux/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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