Wyoming’s largest and longest serving health insurance provider charts bold future with Kris Urbanek as incoming president & CEO
CHEYENNE, Wyo. March 4, 2026 – Diane Gore, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming (BCBSWY), announced her plan to retire after 40 years of dedicated service to Wyoming’s oldest and only Wyoming based health insurer. The BCBSWY Board of Directors has named Executive Vice President, Kris Urbanek, as her successor. Urbanek will assume the role of President and CEO, on May 1, 2026.
Gore’s four decades of service reflect a deep and enduring commitment to Wyoming and its people. As only the fifth CEO in the company’s 80year history, she has provided steady leadership through significant changes in health care while keeping BCBSWY firmly rooted in its mission to serve Wyoming communities
With her background in finance and risk management, Gore guided the organization through an evolving health care landscape while ensuring that members, providers, and local communities remain the center of every decision.
Throughout her tenure, Gore has been a strong advocate for expanding access to care—particularly in rural communities—and focused on addressing behavioral health needs across Wyoming. In tandem with her work supporting organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, she has emphasized the importance of early intervention, youth well-being, and reducing the stigma often associated with mental health, helping foster healthier long-term outcomes for Wyoming families.
Gore’s leadership was especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when BCBSWY supported members, providers, and community partners through unprecedented challenges. Under her direction, the company reinforced its role as a stable, Wyoming based presence—one that remains committed to the state after more than 80 years.
As President and CEO, Gore represented Wyoming on national health leadership boards and state initiatives, while guiding the BCBSWY Caring Foundation’s work to support youth, health, and education. Her focus on Wyoming’s rural needs and commitment to investing in future generations have strengthened the organization’s long-term connection to the state.
“Serving as President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has been the honor of my career,” said Gore. “This organization has a proud history of being here for Wyoming people when they need us most. I am incredibly proud of our employees and grateful to our Board, our partners, and our communities for their trust and support. I am confident that BCBSWY is well positioned for the future under Kris’s leadership.”
Urbanek brings more than 24 years of health care experience and a deep understanding of Wyoming’s unique health care environment. A University of Wyoming graduate with a master’s degree in economics; he began his career as a research analyst focused on pharmaceutical outcomes and employee health.
His experience includes supporting hospitals and physicians with health information technology adoption and serving as a practice administrator for a primary care clinic and imaging center in Casper.
Urbanek joined BCBSWY 11 years ago, initially overseeing provider relations and care delivery. Over the past five years as a member of the executive team—and most recently as Executive Vice President—he has led marketing, sales, provider relations, payment integrity, and the medical department, while serving as a key connection between BCBSWY and communities across the state.
“I’m honored and humbled to be selected by our Board of Directors to serve as the next President and CEO of BCBSWY,” said Urbanek. “BCBSWY has a strong foundation. We’ve been here for 80 years, and we look forward to being here for many years to come. Everyone should be able to get quality care close to home. Our members know that we are here for them during their most challenging times.”
Todd Witzeling, M.D., Board Chair of the BCBSWY Board of Directors, expressed appreciation for Gore’s leadership and is confident in Urbanek’s ability to lead the organization forward.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank Diane for her extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to improving health care in Wyoming,” said Dr. Witzeling. “Kris is a proven leader who understands the complexities of our business and is deeply committed to sustaining and improving health care access for the people of Wyoming.”