Carlson retired from Blue Care Network of Michigan as President and CEO in 2010. She served in executive positions for both BCBS Michigan and BCN, which achieved a number of milestones during her 33-year tenure. In addition to expanding product offerings to include new commercial and government business products which increased members, Carlson was responsible for building Blues’ HIPAA compliant operations and procedures. Under her leadership, BCN successfully entered the senior market; introduced a Health Reimbursement Account product, recognizing the importance of having consumer driven products; and was one of the first in the Detroit area to offer a plan that incorporated wellness and preventative care.
In 2008, Carlson was on campus as part of the Haworth College of Business Distinguished Speaker Series to discuss her accumulated knowledge in a talk about the future of healthcare, and in 2016, the Haworth College of Business awarded her an Outstanding Alumni Achievement award. Her involvement with her alma mater doesn’t stop there. Carlson was nominated and appointed to the WMU Alumni Association Board in 1995 and served as president in her final year, 2000-01. In 2007, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed her to the board of trustees, serving as chair in 2013 before ending her tenure in 2014.
“It was an exciting time,” Carlson said of the WMU board of trustees, “We were picking a new president, we were investigating the addition of a medical school and an affiliation with a law school. I was a trustee for eight years and loved every minute of it.”
Currently, Carlson serves on the WMU Foundation Board of Trustees. She’d tell all current students and graduates to stay involved because it’s a benefit to them and to the University.
“In all, my ties to Western are very rewarding and I’d recommend every graduate consider getting involved,” she said.
Carlson knew she wanted a career in business from the time she attended Jackson Community College. Combining an interest in math and opportunities for women in the business field, Carlson chose to study accounting. After two years at JCC, she transferred to WMU because of the business school’s reputation and reasonably priced tuition. After spending a weekend visiting friends, her decision was cemented.
As a student at WMU, Carlson was a member of the Honorary Accountancy Society, Beta Alpha Psi.
“Professor Robert Neubig had a big influence on me,” Carlson recalls. “His knowledge and method of teaching made accounting very exciting for me – I know most people don’t see accounting as exciting! – and solidified my choice of major.”
Carlson also remembers learning to become independent. In addition to getting a great education, Carlson says she grew in many other ways.
“I lived in a dorm my first year and, among other things, learned the importance of being on time -- those late minutes could be killers! I moved into an apartment my second year and learned many things like budgeting and cooking, although, my roommates would probably not agree that I learned how to cook!”
Of her many great memories of her time on campus, Carlson says she’s most grateful for the friends she made, some of which she remains friends with 50 years later.
“Study hard and take advantage of all Western has to offer, but don’t forget to also have a good time,” Carlson advises. “Balancing studies and fun is key.”
*** Carlson received an associate of business degree from Jackson Community College in 1966 and a Master’s degree from Wayne State University in 1989. Before becoming CEO of Blue Care Network, Carlson held a number of executive positions within the company. Prior to joining BCN, Carlson was a staff auditor at Touche Ross and Company (now Deloitte & Touche) and a private financial advisor.
She serves or has served on a number of boards including the Metropolitan Detroit YMCA, HAVEN of Oakland County, the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Skyline Club, the Beaumont Health Strategic Planning Committee, the Industry Advisory Board of Emmi Solutions, LLC., Botsford Hospital and the United Way Admissions and Compliance Committee. Carlson is also a member of the Women’s Economic Club, the American Institute of Public Accountants, and the Health Care Financial Management Association.
Birgit Klohs (B.B.A. ’83, Finance) will also be honored with the award this year. The 2017 Distinguished Alumni Awardees will be honored at a reception during Homecoming weekend. Learn more about the WMU Distinguished Alumni Award at MyWMU.com/DA.