Alicia Berkemeyer

In my 32 years at Arkansas Blue Cross, my many roles have all focused on making health care better in Arkansas. Those positions provided me the skills for my current role as chief health management officer. As the oldest and largest health insurer in the state, Arkansas Blue Cross has been helping improve the health, financial security and peace of mind of the people of Arkansas for more than 70 years. Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliate companies are leaders in health insurance innovation at both state and national levels.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Diplomacy. People think health insurers are competitive, and we are when it comes to sales, but through the multi-payer programs, I have developed great relationships with people working for our in-state competitors. Ultimately, we all want better health for Arkansans.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

I find ways to walk or exercise to help clear my mind. Sometimes I may even take a walk in between meetings just to get away from my desk and clear my head.

How I knew this was my passion

I love helping people! Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a company that supports my passion for helping people. We are a not-for-profit insurance company of Arkansans serving Arkansans. We care for our members and our communities.

Best advice I ever received

Work hard, ask questions and always be willing to take on extra projects.

Biggest challenges in my career

Maintaining a work/life balance is always a challenge. One of the tools that has helped me has been a book, “Your 168,” written by one of my professors from Northwestern, Harry Kraemer.

My first job and what it taught me

My first job was in high school during the summer. I worked with children at the day care at St. Joseph's Orphanage. This job taught me how important it is to invest in and teach children.

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Arkansas Behavioral Health Integrated Network (ABHIN) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on training primary care teams to recognize, address and connect people with behavioral health needs to resources and support.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

People. Every day I come to work at a company focused on improving health care for Arkansans. To have the opportunity to impact that improvement in some small way is very rewarding. Also, I enjoy doing this with my work family.

Best career moment so far

I presented the Arkansas story of success in Washington, D.C. It was exciting to see Arkansas Primary Care Practices recognized nationally for the great work they have done in a multi-payer federal program.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Stop. Look. Listen. This is the time I find it best to slow down, reflect on the situation and clear my mind to set a new course as needed.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

A skill I never expected to need in this field

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

How I knew this was my passion

Best advice I ever received

Biggest challenges in my career

My first job and what it taught me

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

Best career moment so far

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

North Little Rock

I can't start my day until

I count my blessings!

Hobbies

Family and run/walk with friends

Binge watch

“The Crown”

Last good read

“The Ideal Team Player” by Patrick Lencioni

Favorite meal in town

Bruno's Little Italy

Best recent local discovery

Arkansas waterfalls

Latest splurge

Shoes

Most-used app

Zoom

Dream vacation

Italy

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