Engaging With the Executive
Joe Martin, Assistant Vice President of Risk Analysis and Chief Operating Officer of iiSi, a Division of Companion Life
Each issue of Communiqué will highlight an executive in one of our lines of business. We hope readers will get to know the executives a little better, both professionally and personally.
This month, we introduce you to Joe Martin. He is the assistant vice president of risk analysis and chief operating officer of iiSi, a division of Companion Life. He has been with the company for nine years.
1. Tell us about your first job.
At 17, I landed my first job at a small family-owned hardware store in Fremont, California, called Dale Hardware. My dad was a regular customer. During one visit, I walked over to the customer service desk to ask about openings. By the time my dad finished shopping, I had met with the human resources manager and secured a spot on the team.
I started the very next day as an electrical sales associate, helping customers find what they needed and keeping shelves stocked and organized. Two of my coworkers were former electricians who generously shared their trade knowledge with me.
At the time, it was simply a paycheck. Looking back, though, those lessons still pay dividends. Thanks to the skills I picked up, I can tackle most of my own electrical projects today.
2. Describe some of your hobbies or interests outside of work.
Outside of work, my main interest is making music. For 34 years now, my primary instrument has been the guitar. Lately, I have begun tinkering with the lap steel guitar (think Hawaiian music) and the mandolin. Apart from music, I enjoy woodworking and home improvement projects.
3. What’s your favorite food? If it’s from a restaurant, which one?
It might sound cliche, but for me, the answer is pizza — and not because it’s easy. I genuinely believe pizza is the world’s most perfect food. I can appreciate just about every style, but my top choice is authentic Neapolitan pizza.
If you share the same love for pizza Napoletana and find yourself in the Boulder, Colorado, area, I highly recommend Proto’s Pizza. It does a great job with the classic Neapolitan style. They used to have a location near me in Boise, but it closed a few years ago.
4. What’s your favorite movie, and why?
In our house, the holiday season officially begins when we watch “Home Alone,” a tradition that never seems to get old. No matter how many times we’ve seen it, the film’s mix of humor and heart always sets the perfect festive tone.
I’m such a fan that I once made a special stop to see the McCallister house in Winnetka, Illinois, during a business trip to Chicago. And I’ll stand by this bold claim: The moment when Marv lets out that scream as Kevin places Buzz’s tarantula on his face might be the funniest scene ever captured on film.
5. What’s your favorite book, and why?
I don’t read books very often, so it’s hard to name a single favorite.
What I do love, though, is learning — and I tend to get that more from documentaries, articles and project-based video content than from traditional books. Whether it’s a TV documentary on history or science or a how-to series that helps me with a woodworking or home improvement project, I enjoy formats where I can see ideas come to life.
For me, the appeal is the same as a great book: a well-told story that teaches me something new and sticks with me long after.
6. Tell us about your favorite sports team.
As a San Francisco Bay Area native, I grew up with a grandmother who was a devoted Giants fan. I didn’t truly catch the baseball bug until I was a young adult, but choosing a team was never in doubt. Giants fandom was practically a family tradition. Fortunately, my work takes me to San Francisco often, and I try to catch an evening home game whenever the opportunity arises.
7. Describe one or more of your pet peeves.
I try not to let small annoyances live rent-free in my head, but a few seem to plague me.
Two come to mind: always picking the noisiest shopping cart at the store, and power cords that always seem to be cut to just the right length so when you roll them up, they stop just short of the perfect spot so the plug’s clip won’t catch.
8. Based on your experience, what are three keys to success for employees early in their careers?
- Master the ecosystem. The health insurance carrier is just one piece of a much larger care delivery puzzle that includes providers, vendors, employers and government programs. Getting to know how all these parts work together is an essential piece of foundational knowledge.
- Start with the micro. Take time to learn how your role and your team’s work connect to the broader corporate mission. Every process and project contributes something to the bigger picture. Understand what that contribution is and why it’s important.
- Expand to the macro. As you settle in, seek to understand how the company and the many other players fit into the broader health care system.
- Develop strong data and analytical skills. No matter where your career path leads, data will be part of the story. Being able to spot trends, interpret numbers and share clear insights is a valuable skill across every area of our business.
- Build comfort with the tools and reports you use every day.
- Practice interpreting and gleaning actionable insights from data that help teams and leaders make decisions with confidence.
- Build a reputation for integrity. Your credibility is one of the most valuable things you bring to work each day.
- Lead with ethics and compliance. Whether you’re working with members, providers, external partners or internal teams, always make choices that reflect the highest standards.
- Protect the brand (yours and your employer’s!). Ensure that your work consistently represents you — and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina — in the best light to customers, partners and regulators.
9. Whom do you admire most, and why?
When I think about people I admire, I immediately think of a former manager and long-time mentor who has shaped my career in countless ways. He’s a fellow BlueCross employee, so I’ll spare him the spotlight, especially since I know he wouldn’t want the attention. Our connection even predates our time at BlueCross. From the start, he invested time and trust in my growth, offering guidance that was both challenging and encouraging.
What stands out most is his combination of integrity, deep knowledge of our business, and genuine care for people. He modeled how to lead with both high standards and humility, showing that success is about more than results. It’s also about how you treat others along the way. I carry those lessons with me every day, even though we no longer work side by side.
10. Tell us about your greatest achievement.
One accomplishment I’m especially proud of is earning my undergraduate degree while working full time and adjusting to life as a new father. Balancing a full workload, late-night study sessions and the demands of a growing family required careful planning, persistence, and a lot of support from loved ones and colleagues.
That experience taught me how to prioritize, stay disciplined and keep moving forward when things get challenging — skills that continue to serve me every day. More than the degree itself, the process reinforced an important life lesson: You reach meaningful goals one steady step at a time.
Shining Bright ✨: 2026 Stars Award Celebration 🌟🏆
For the third year in a row, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage earned an overall four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Each year, CMS rates health plan quality performance on a five-star scale. The rating helps consumers choose the best plan and improves overall health care quality. Ratings are based on member survey data.
“Achieving four stars places us among the top-performing plans in the nation. It reflects excellence in clinical care, member satisfaction and operational integrity. It means our members can trust that they are receiving high-quality, accessible and compassionate care. It means our team’s dedication to data integrity, continuous improvement and member engagement has paid off in measurable ways,” said Kat Gesh-Wilson, vice president of Medicare Advantage.
CMS rates plans on up to 45 metrics. Metrics used depend on whether the plan includes prescription drug coverage.
The Medicare ratings take into account:
- Preventive health services. This includes screenings, tests and vaccines to keep members healthy.
- Management of chronic conditions. The system looks at medication adherence and help for members with conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.
- Member experience. This refers to:
- How members feel about their health plan and health care quality.
- How easy it is to get appointments and care.
- The coordination of members’ health care services.
- Member complaints and changes in the health plan’s performance. This rating is based on:
- The number of complaints about the health plan.
- The number of members who leave the plan.
- Improvement in the health plan’s performance.
- Health plan customer service. This includes resolving member questions along with timeliness and fairness in appeals decisions.
“We are proud of the overall four-star rating and the excellent performance in many of the metrics. This includes a five-star rating for health plan customer service,” said Jason Sloan, vice president of Medicare Advantage stars and risk programs.
This year, CMS rated 516 plans nationwide.
“Reaching four stars is a big milestone. Each year, we start back at zero and must climb the mountain to repeat this achievement. The star rating is the publicly visible score that represents our hard work. It’s the result of great effort from the Medicare Advantage Stars team and their collaboration with our colleagues across the company,” Sloan said.
During a recent Medicare Advantage staff meeting, individuals and teams were recognized for their contributions supporting Medicare Advantage’s success:
- Kristine Hagen — Transition of care
- Jaquina Young — Customer service excellence
- Steven Smith — Member retention
- Paula Costain — Appeals decisions
- Shanekwa Raynor — Stars pharmacy
- Madison Webb — Analytics support to prevent member disruption
- The Enrollment Team — Supporting Medicare Advantage growth
- The Care Management Team
- The Customer Service Team
- The Governance and Oversight Team
- The Sales and Marketing Team
- The Telesales Team
- The Pharmacy Team
The Stars Team
Congratulations to our colleagues on this great success!
CMS is an independent organization that provides health information you may find helpful.
BlueCross Honors Veterans
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is proud to have more than 650 employees with military experience in its workforce. BlueCross is a better place thanks to the impact our veterans have on our culture. They bring innovative practices, customer engagement, community relations and overall success. This Veterans Day, please join us as we salute our coworkers for their service. Today and every day, we thank them for their sacrifices.
At BlueCross, the Military Business Resource Group (MBRG) provides resources and support to help veteran members shift to roles outside of the armed services. It consists of service members, veterans and military advocates. The group supports the recruitment, onboarding and retention of the BlueCross military community. The MBRG has more than 126 members in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Minnesota.
LaSandra Teixeira, a senior medical reviewer at BlueCross and member of the MBRG, said the group has done a lot for her. She sees the fellowship with people who share her experiences and challenges as a real gift.
“I’m proud to be part of a company that is invested in creating an inclusive environment for those who have served,” she said. “The group has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. They not only help me navigate my own journey but also allow me to share insights and support with others."
“Taking part in Wreaths Across America and the Day of Remembrance by placing flags on graves has been meaningful. These activities allow me to honor the sacrifices of our fellow veterans and to give back. They also strengthen the bonds within our group. They remind us of the shared values and experiences that unite us. The MBRG has been an important part of my experience here. It truly helps foster a sense of belonging and pride in both my service and my current role,” said Teixeira.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the MBRG, please send an email to WorkplaceCulture@bcbssc.com.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Named a Top U.S. Employer for Tech Talent
Forbes has named BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina as one of America’s best employers for tech workers for 2025*. The award highlights the company’s commitment to creating a supportive, innovative workplace for technology professionals.
More than 25,000 tech employees in the U.S. evaluated companies on:
- Career growth opportunities.
- Work environment and culture.
- Compensation and benefits.
- Innovation.
Forbes surveyed current employees, former employees and peers in the industry, with responses from current employees weighted most heavily.
This distinction reflects BlueCross’ dedication to building a workplace where tech employees can thrive. BlueCross offers ways to help employees grow. These include mentorship, ongoing learning opportunities and a collaborative environment that encourages new ideas.
The award comes at a time of rapid growth in the technology sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics*, overall employment in computer and information technology jobs is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2034. Recent industry reports highlight strong growth in areas such as generative artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mobility technologies and application-specific semiconductors.
BlueCross uses technology to help members manage and access their health care services. Being on the Forbes list confirms that BlueCross is a top choice for tech professionals seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
Learn more about career opportunities at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina at www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com.
*This link leads to a third-party website. Those organizations are responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.
Fall Giving Magazine Out Now
The latest issue of Giving magazine is out now. This edition features stories to inspire from our own Vinnie Livoti and Lawrence Wright. It includes a spotlight on Second Helpings of the Lowcountry, and we learn about a new partnership between Harvest Hope and Transitions Homeless Center.
It also highlights how important volunteer work is to employees Andrew Bailey and Sarah Martin.
We want to hear from you! Fill out a short survey and share your thoughts on Giving here. If you include your name, you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 donation to a nonprofit of your choice.
Prefer a printed copy? You can find one in the magazine stands at the cafés in the Atrium, GPC, Percival and Tower.
National Caregiver Awareness Month
Quiet heroes make our communities better. And they are often found at home. These heroes care for and look after those who need help. November is National Family Caregivers Month. It’s a chance to learn how to lend a hand to those who care for others.
One in 4 U.S. adults care for someone else. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP®, more than 48 percent of caregivers are 18 – 49 years old, and 34 percent are 65 or older. More than 40 percent of the population will need help with life tasks at some point in their lives. Most caregivers learn as they go and aren’t trained.
While caring for others is rewarding, it can be hard. When caregivers don’t have the support they need, their lives can suffer. According to the National Institutes of Health, this can mean:
- Financial strain.
- Lost earnings.
- Emotional distress.
- Social isolation.
- Disruption in work and at home.
- Even physical illness.
How can we help? Learn about potential signs of caregiver stress. It’s not always easy to see when someone may need help. He or she may:
- Feel exhausted or anxious.
- Become easily angered.
- Feel lonely or disconnected from others.
- Have trouble sleeping or is not getting enough sleep.
- Feel sad or hopeless or lose interest in things they enjoy.
- Have frequent headaches, pain or other physical problems.
- Misuse alcohol or drugs, including prescription medicines.
Ask what you can do. He or she might need a meal or just a minute to take a walk or a bath. He or she might just need to talk. A simple call or text can show you care.
People who care for others need to know they are not alone. Letting them know about resources that can help them cope is part of the mission of caregiver awareness.
Visit the Wellness app in OurHRConnect to learn about resources for caregivers that support a healthy lifestyle.
The employee assistance program through First Sun EAP offers personal and professional tools. These include legal, educational and financial services. It also has resources for child care and elder care. In Columbia, the phone number is 803-376-2668. The toll-free number is 800-968-8143. Because First Sun is a separate company from BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, First Sun will be responsible for all services related to this program.
Benefit eligibility is based largely on employment status (full-time or part-time, length of service, company, and/or line of business).
These third-party resources can help:
- The National Institute on Aging — Respite care
- Caregiver Action Network
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- VA Caregiver Support
- Family Caregiver Support Program
If you’re a caregiver, your role is vital. It’s OK to feel tired and ask for help.
Let’s thank our caregivers. Make sure they get the care they need. Teach others about the issues they face. Check in on them. Sometimes having someone to talk to can make all the difference.
This article contains links that lead to third-party websites. Those organizations are solely responsible for the contents and privacy policies on their sites.
The National Alliance for Caregiving, AARP and the National Institutes of Health are independent organizations that offer health information you may find helpful.
From the BlueCross Blog: Investing In Mental Health
The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation supports programs that improve mental health across the state. From school-based counseling and professional training to adult recovery services and child advocacy, these initiatives help people access care, build skills and strengthen families —making a real impact on South Carolina Communities
Read more here.
Monthly Health: Your Mental Health Matters
For some, getting an annual physical, stepping on the scale, tracking how much water we drink and logging meals in an app are part of what we do to monitor our health and maintain healthy behaviors. But what do we do to check on or maintain good mental health?
Your mental health matters, too. Just like physical health, mental health is an important part of your overall well-being. Mental health conditions are medical conditions that affect how you think, feel and act.
Mental health conditions are common. More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness. There are many things that contribute to mental health conditions, including biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury or brain chemistry; life experiences, such as trauma or abuse; and family history of mental health conditions.
There are different types of mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders and phobias.
- Behavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Eating disorders.
- Substance use disorders.
- Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
- Personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.
- Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
- Suicidal behavior.
- Trauma and stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Fortunately, help is available. People with mental health conditions can get better. Treatment and recovery are ongoing processes that vary by diagnosis and by person. Treatment options can include medication, counseling, social support and education.
Know the Warning Signs
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a person’s normal behavior and what could be a sign of a mental health condition. Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs can include:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little.
- Pulling away from people and usual activities.
- Having low or no energy.
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters.
- Having unexplained aches and pains.
- Feeling helpless or hopeless.
- Smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual.
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried or scared.
- Yelling at or fighting with family and friends.
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships.
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head.
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true.
- Thinking of harming yourself or others.
- The inability to perform daily tasks such as taking care of your kids or getting to work or school.
How To Get Help
If you think you may be experiencing a mental health condition, the first step is asking for help. Reaching out can be scary, but it can save your life. Know that you are not alone.
Talk to your primary care provider or another health professional about your mental health concerns. Ask them to connect you with the right mental health services.
For those who do not have a health professional who can help, there are other resources.
- Emergency medical services: 911
If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911. - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in crisis, call or text the 988 Lifeline, which offers crisis counseling and mental health referrals. You can chat with the 988 Lifeline at www.988Lifeline.org.
Being in good mental health allows us to feel our best and cope with the stresses of life. Remember to regularly check on your mental health. Because your mental health matters.
