Alumna honored among Detroit ‘Women of Influence’

Crain’s Detroit Business has named its inaugural “Women of Influence” class, and Central Michigan University alumna Tricia Keith, ’93, is among the leaders receiving the honor. This elite group of 10 distinguished women represents the best of Detroit’s business community.

Keith is president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, serving more than 5 million health insurance members across the country. Under her leadership, BCBSM continues to expand its market reach, advance member-focused health insurance solutions, and strengthen its longstanding commitment to Michigan’s communities.

It's that service to communities, and serving as a role model to young women, that helped Keith garner the Crain’s recognition.

“When I became president and CEO, I didn’t dwell on being the first woman to lead Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,” Keith said. “But what’s stayed with me are the unexpected moments — like hearing from men who’ve told me they talked to their daughters about my role. That kind of feedback reminded me how powerful visibility can be in helping the next generation see what is possible.” 

In addition to leading BCBSM, Keith serves in leadership roles for several industry and community organizations, including the boards of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, AmeriHealth Caritas, BCS Financial Corporation, the National Institute for Health Care Management, America’s Health Insurance Plans, Business Leaders for Michigan and the Detroit Economic Club.

Previously, Keith was named by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2016 and 2021 among its Top 100 Influential Women in Michigan; and received the 2010 Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40 award and the 2012 National Management Association Executive of the Year.

Continually helping her alma mater, Keith served on the CMU Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2020, and was elected its chair during that time.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the education and doors that opened for me from my time at CMU, and I’ve been very proud to serve my alma mater in a variety of ways over the years, including serving as the chair of the Board of Trustees,” Keith said. “My hope is that CMU will continue to open minds and doors for young women and men for many years to come, just as it did for me.” 

CMU President Neil MacKinnon applauds Keith’s latest recognition and strong dedication to CMU and its students.

“CMU’s mission is to prepare students to become leaders who positively impact their communities,” MacKinnon said. “Tricia exemplifies our mission through her tremendous leadership in the business world and commitment to serving her community, including the CMU community.”

Being an influential woman in business was not a role Keith ever considered when she graduated from high school and headed to CMU. She said she truly didn’t know that women could do anything outside of the home aside from teaching. She chose CMU because of its reputation for providing quality teacher education.

“But once I got to Central, my world expanded, and I began to see other possibilities,” Keith said. 

Keith believes she is a living example of the transformative power of higher education, and how a CMU education lays the foundation for success in life.

“CMU prepared me for things I never knew existed. I didn’t have health insurance until I was 22, so I didn’t know what a CEO of such a company would do. But the well-rounded education and process of learning to learn that CMU taught me, prepared me to be curious and to continue to learn through life.”