Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota appointed Brett Hart as vice president of behavioral health and mental health parity, bringing extensive healthcare leadership experience to the role. Hart previously served at Centene Corporation as chief behavioral health officer and CEO of its subsidiary Cenpatico Behavior Health, and spent 19 years in clinical operations roles at Optum.
In his new position, Hart leads enterprise-wide initiatives to optimize the insurer’s behavioral and mental health services, including advancing health equity goals and mental health parity. Mark Steffen, MD, SVP and chief medical officer for Blue Cross, noted that Hart’s “thoughtful approach to transformation and collaboration, combined with proven leadership on advancing mental health issues,” positions him to drive the strategic mission of the organization’s Behavioral Health area.
Hart holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Saint Louis University and previously served as a medical psychologist at Washington University School of Medicine, where he provided assessment and psychotherapy for patients in a hospital setting. Beyond clinical practice, his professional engagement includes serving as a White House panelist, member of a European Union Advisory Council, and presenter at national conferences. He has also authored articles in scientific journal publications.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota serves 2.5 million members across every Minnesota county, all 50 states, and four continents, and operates as an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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