Blue Shield of California has appointed Hayley Park, PharmD, as its new senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer. The nonprofit health plan made the announcement on April 20, 2026. Park brings deep expertise in pharmacy operations. Moreover, she joins at a pivotal moment in healthcare transformation.
Who Is Hayley Park?
A Seasoned Pharmacy Leader Joins Blue Shield
Dr. Park is a pharmacist with more than 25 years of healthcare experience. Before joining Blue Shield, she served as vice president of Pharmacy Operations and Services at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In that role, she modernized pharmacy care and reduced drug costs for patients. Her clinical background informs her patient-first leadership approach.
Furthermore, Dr. Park holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She completed a Fellowship in Pharmacoeconomics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition, she earned both her Doctor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degrees from the University of Toronto.
Her Vision for Affordable Pharmacy Care
Putting Members First Through Accessible Medications
Dr. Park enters her new role with a clear mission. She aims to make medications more affordable, accessible, and easier to use for Blue Shield members. Additionally, she plans to collaborate across Blue Shield teams and stakeholders to strengthen health outcomes.
“What drew me to Blue Shield is that it’s a mission-driven nonprofit health plan that’s committed to improving member health,” Dr. Park said. “As pharmacy care shifts to support individuals in a more connected and personalized way, I am excited to join an organization that is transforming health care to make it more accessible for everyone.”
Her focus aligns directly with Blue Shield’s nonprofit mission. Consequently, the appointment signals the organization’s commitment to member-centered pharmacy innovation.
Leadership Track Record at Kaiser Permanente
Proven Results in Cost Reduction and Crisis Response
Reducing Drug Costs Through Smarter Management
At Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Park delivered measurable results. She improved how medications were selected and managed, especially for complex and high-cost treatments. These changes helped lower prescription drug costs for members across the system.
COVID-19 Pandemic Leadership
Dr. Park also stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. She led vaccine planning for Kaiser Permanente’s national pharmacy organization. Additionally, she helped establish a large-scale vaccination site. Her crisis-management skills reflect her adaptability and operational strength.
Susan Mullaney, chief operating officer at Blue Shield of California, praised the hire. “Hayley is a dedicated and experienced pharmacy leader who is committed to helping people get the medicines they need at a price they can afford,” Mullaney said. “Her purpose-driven leadership will help us continue building a healthcare system that is worthy of our family and friends and sustainably affordable.”
About the Pharmacy Care Reimagined Initiative
A First-of-Its-Kind Pharmacy Model
Dr. Park will lead Blue Shield’s Pharmacy Care Reimagined initiative. Launched in 2024, this model focuses on transparent and sustainably affordable prescription drug services. It represents a major shift from traditional pharmacy benefit management approaches. As a result, members gain clearer access to cost information and better care coordination.
The initiative reflects Blue Shield’s belief that pharmacy services must evolve. Rather than prioritizing margins, it centers on improving care and strengthening health outcomes for members.
Educational Background and Credentials
A Foundation Built on Science and Strategy
Dr. Park’s education spans both clinical and business disciplines. This dual expertise positions her well to lead pharmacy strategy at scale. Her pharmacoeconomics fellowship deepens her understanding of drug costs and health system value. Together, these credentials make her a well-rounded pharmacy executive.
About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California is a taxpaying nonprofit and an independent member of the Blue Shield Association. It serves 6 million members across California. The organization employs more than 6,500 people and reports over $27 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939, it offers health, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare plans. Over the past three years, Blue Shield has contributed more than $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation.
