Vera Santos, Director of Service Operations, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) has been honored with the 2017 Leadership Excellence Award of the Tri-State Area by the Tri-State Diversity Council, a member organization of the National Diversity Council. The National Diversity Council’s mission is to uphold and promote the principles of diversity and leadership and to recognize those who personify those principles. Santos immigrated to Newark at the age of 12 and continues to be connected to the city through a wide variety of volunteer work. She began her career at Horizon BCBSNJ in 1996. Santos was presented the award during the Tri-State Diversity Council’s annual awards luncheon at The New Yorker Hotel in Manhattan.

The Leadership Excellence Award honors those who:

• Demonstrate leadership excellence in the public and/or private sectors.
• Sustain a record of accomplishments and/or contributions to their field of work throughout scope of their career.
• Demonstrate leadership in the community.
• Retain commendable reputations with colleagues and superiors.
• Exhibit and demonstrate a commitment to the highest ethical standards and professional excellence.

“Vera is remarkably passionate about giving back through volunteer work with community-based organizations and her drive motivates others to succeed. She is also committed to excellence every day at Horizon,” said Alison Banks Moore, Chief Diversity Officer, Horizon BCBSNJ. “Vera’s outreach efforts in New Jersey are beyond impressive. She volunteers at churches, soup kitchens and more and she is always there to help provide women with opportunities to further develop their career and business acumen at Horizon. We are proud that the Tri-State Diversity Council has honored Vera with the 2017 Leadership Excellence Award.”