Excellus names new CNY Regional Advisory Board members

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Central New York’s largest health insurer, recently announced it has named Michael C. Backus, Derrick L. Murry, and Dr. Robert Weisenthal to its Central New York Regional Advisory Board.

Backus is president and CEO of Oswego Health. He advocates for health care in the region as he works with state and federal authorities to further increase access to high-quality care, including strategic infrastructure planning throughout Central New York. Backus also coordinates all lobbying and advocacy work on behalf of Oswego Health for future initiatives and local health-care needs.

Murry serves as CEO of Retina-Vitreous Surgeons, the region’s largest retina specialty practice. In this role, he supports professionals and ancillary staff in the alignment of strategies to improve and preserve sight within the population of Central New York. Prior to joining RVS, he served in leadership positions at the Syracuse Community Health Center from 2015-2022, most recently as chief business development officer. Murry also previously served as chief operating officer of North Medical P.C./St. Joseph’s Physicians.

Weisenthal, M.D., is president of CNY Eye Care and a clinical professor of ophthalmology at Upstate Medical University. He has authored and contributed to an abundance of clinical-research studies, peer-reviewed publications, curriculum book chapters, and abstracts, along with being an invited lecturer and visiting professor.

“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. With their wide range of experience and expertise in community relations, health care administration, and medicine, these individuals add breadth and depth to our board as we work to fulfill our mission,” Excellus Central New York Regional President Mark Muthumbi said in a release about the new CNY Regional Advisory Board members.