Verne Brizendine

Verne Brizendine joined Aetna in 2019 as the Director of Business Development for Aetna Medicaid.  He leads the spectrum of business development requirements for California. Verne works with state and local officials, community stakeholders, health care providers and CBOs to create lasting partnerships throughout the state.

Before joining Aetna, Verne was the Director of Individual & Family Plans Outreach for Blue Shield of California. His team was responsible for building partnerships with community organizations, leaders, businesses, Covered California certified enrollers and other groups that have close ties with the community.  Verne won various awards for Blue Shield in multiple areas, including Outreach, Public Education, Diversity Communications, and Community Relations.  Verne was appointed and served on the Covered California Stakeholder Advisory Committee for Marketing and Enrollment. Verne was awarded the “Community Health Leader Award” for Blue Shield’s success in promoting access to health education, enrollment, and wellness in the Latino Community.

Verne holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Stephen’s College. Verne is also a Board member of the My Stuff Bags Foundation, a non-profit organization serving foster children in the U.S.