Excellus names new advisory board members for Utica region

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the largest health insurer in the Mohawk Valley and Central New York, announced it has named Lisa Betrus, Justin Hummel, Kelly Walters, and Dr. Mario Victoria to its Utica regional advisory board.

Betrus is the senior VP and chief value officer for Bassett Healthcare Network and president of Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services in Herkimer. A licensed nursing-home administrator, Betrus holds a bachelor’s degree in health-services administration from Ithaca College and completed her MBA degree, with a concentration in finance, at Sage Graduate School. She currently serves on the boards of the Central New York Community Arts Council, Mohawk Valley EDGE, and the Workforce Investment Board for Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties.

Hummel is CEO of Hummel’s Office Plus in Mohawk. He earned an associate degree in business administration from Herkimer County Community College and serves on several boards including the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, Pinnacle Affiliates, Mohawk Valley EDGE, and Little Falls Hospital.

Walters has served as the executive director of 50 Forward Mohawk Valley for more than 18 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Utica College. Walters serves on numerous boards and committees, including the HomeOwnership Center, Center for Family Life & Recovery, Workforce Investment Board, Mohawk Valley Housing and Homeless Coalition board, Oneida County Office for Aging advisory board, City of Utica youth advisory board, and Oneida County Livable Communities Steering Committee.

Dr. Victoria is VP for medical affairs and chief medical officer at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown and medical director for Clifton Fine Hospital. He is a member of the Health Care Partners of the North Country board and North Country Initiative board. Victoria is also a member of the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Credentials Committee. Victoria earned his medical degree from the University of Medical Sciences of Havana and completed his residency in pediatrics at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences Center. He holds a master’s degree in medical management from Carnegie Mellon University and is a member of the American Association of Physician Leadership, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the Medical Society of the State of New York.

“As a local health plan, our mission is to help people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through access to high quality, affordable health care,” Excellus Utica Regional President Eve Van de Wal said in a statement. “With their wide range of experience and expertise in health care, community wellness, and business, these individuals add breadth and depth to our board as we work to fulfill our mission.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The nonprofit health plan has 1.5 million upstate New York members.