Delta Dental of Colorado names new president and CEO

Helen Drexler, an experienced health care executive, is the new president and CEO of Delta Dental of Colorado. The board of directors of the state’s largest dental insurance provider selected Drexler to succeed Kate Paul, who will retire in January after leading the nonprofit for the past 15 years. Drexler will begin the new position in December.

Drexler most recently served as regional vice president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, a health insurance provider serving more than 39 million people nationwide. Drexler has worked in a variety of leadership roles with Anthem for the past 30 years, including 15 years in Colorado.

“This is an exciting new chapter for Delta Dental of Colorado,” said Marilyn Taylor, chair of the nonprofit dental insurer’s board of directors. “Helen has the experience, leadership and passion for improving people’s health that will move our organization forward following 15 years of outstanding leadership from Kate Paul. Helen’s knowledge and experience in health care will help Delta Dental’s efforts to integrate oral health in overall medical care.”

Drexler worked for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in the state for 15 years. Most recently, Drexler served as vice president of national account management for the Southeast region, overseeing a team responsible for over 100 national account customers and more than 1.7 million members.

“Helen is passionate about improving lives through better health outcomes and will move the company forward as Delta Dental continues to grow its membership and community impact across Colorado,” Taylor said.

Delta Dental is the largest and most experienced dental insurer in Colorado, covering more than 1.2 million members. Over the last 15 years, the company has seen substantial growth in membership, positive operating gains, improved business operations and the creation of a workforce culture that attracts and retains top talent. As a nonprofit, the company’s community benefit program has contributed $49 million dollars in the last 15 years to dental programs like the CU Heroes Clinic, school programs like the Land of Smiles, and the employee-driven iGive program.

“I am excited about the opportunity to continue DDCO’s commitment to providing its 5,500 employer groups and 1.2 million members with outstanding customer service and best practices in dental insurance,” Drexler said. “And I look forward to working with the strongest network of dental providers of any dental benefits provider in Colorado.”

Drexler is a strong supporter of United Way and recently served on the Women’s Leadership Council for United Way of Greater Atlanta. She also served as chair of the board of directors of Florence Crittenton Services, a United Way organization that helps teen parents raise healthy families and become productive members of society, from 2007 to 2012. In 2016 Drexler served on the committee primarily responsible for supporting the successful ballot initiative, Safe Harbor Yes, which created a Georgia constitutional amendment to create a permanent fund for child victims of sex trafficking.

With a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of New Mexico and certification by Senn Delaney as a cultural transformation facilitator, Drexler brings a unique and comprehensive skillset to the position. In 2011, Drexler served as co-chair for the Women of WellPoint, the largest Associate Resource Group in Anthem with over 1,200 members. She also spearheaded the Go Red for Women Campaign in support of awareness of women’s cardiac health.

About Delta Dental of Colorado

Established in 1958, Delta Dental of Colorado is the largest, most experienced dental benefits provider in the state. It is a nonprofit organization that serves over 1.2 million Coloradans with high-quality, cost-effective, evidence-based dental plans. Delta Dental of Colorado’s mission is to improve the oral health of the communities it serves. Delta Dental of Colorado is a member of the national Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA). For more than 50 years, the DDPA has worked to improve oral health nationally. Delta Dental member companies serve more than 62 million people nationwide. For more information, visit our website at DeltaDentalCO.com.