U.S. Attorney Cynthia Ridgeway will take strategic job with Anthem

First Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia J. Ridgeway has accepted a position as a corporate strategy director for Anthem, the Department of Justice announced this week.

Ridgeway has resigned from the U.S. Attorney's Office and her final day in the office will be Monday, July 29, according to United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler, in announcing leadership team changes within the Executive Committee staff.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Anthem did not respond to a request for comment about the position or whether it is new to the company.

It's clear from the job posting for a corporate strategy director that the insurer is looking for someone to provide leadership and to push for change.

"Emphasize the employment of analytics and experimentation as we pilot new ideas and opportunities," Anthem said as a key job function in a job posting on Linkedin.

Other key accountabilities for the role include exploring and managing external partners, asking tough questions and challenging and engaging leaders in conversations "to ensure the right things happen for the business."

The posting also said "previous merger and acquisition experience is desired."

THE LARGER TREND

Anthem has also recently hired about a half dozen current or former Apple employees in recent months, according to CNBC. The report said Anthem is looking to get their experience in user-friendly and consumer focused design.

Insurers are looking to adapt to consumer expectations in the market brought about by companies such as Amazon, Apple and Google.

More on the future expectations for the company may be discussed during Anthem's second quarter earnings call on Wednesday, July 24.

BACKGROUND

The DOJ said Ridgeway has spent 15 years in federal public service representing the United States. She was hired in 2004 and for several years  prosecuted drug and violent crime matters, was promoted to serve as Chief of the National Security Unit and litigated high profile complex white collar matters as a member of the General Crimes Section, before being elevated to the position of First Assistant.

Prior to her role with the Justice Department, she was Special Counsel at the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, where she oversaw high profile litigation, public relations, and served on the leadership team. She was hired to serve the office directly after graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law.

On her own Linkedin page, Ridgeway lists strategic planning first among her qualifications as Assistant United States Attorney.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com