Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) President and CEO, Rich Boals, has been recognized by Arizona Town Hall with the prestigious 2014 Shirley Agnos Legacy Award.
"Rich has long been dedicated to making Arizona a better place to live. His efforts are seen in his leadership and the way in which he brings people from all backgrounds together," said Town Hall President Tara Jackson. "With an affinity for initiatives focused on education, health and underserved communities, Rich is engaged in hearing all sides and working toward a solution for the betterment of the community."
By drawing on Arizona's diversity, Arizona Town Hall promotes public dialogue about issues important to the state. The organization also builds consensus and, through its members, supports the implementation of ideas that spring from those dialogues. The Legacy Award was established in 2007 to recognize Agnos' 46 years of service to Arizona Town Hall.
"What I appreciate most about Arizona Town Hall is that you can count on hearing perspectives from all professions, from all corners of the state—it may be from a school administrator, a rancher, a legislator, a farmer, a lawyer or a teacher," said Boals. "In the end, you'll have a 360-degree view of issues that affect every aspect of living and working in Arizona: water rights, education, and healthcare, to name a few."
While Boals himself has served BCBSAZ for more than 40 years, this year the company celebrates its own 75th anniversary. Inspired by Boals' dedication to the community, the company has pledged to expand its giving and volunteer efforts, supporting diverse initiatives in all 15 Arizona counties throughout 2014.
Last year's Shirley Agnos Legacy Award recipient was Northern Arizona University President John Haeger. Other winners have included former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords; consulting psychologist Jamie Matanovich; Tucson Medical Center President Emeritus Don Shropshire; former Scottsdale Community College President Art DeCabooter; and business leader and community activist Katie Dusenberry.
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