The Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore (EAGB) has named Brian D. Pieninck, president and chief executive officer of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), chair of its board of directors, effective September 15, 2021.
Pieninck succeeds Stephen J. Woerner, president and chief operating officer of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), who is relocating to the Boston area this month to begin a new role as president of National Grid New England.
“Becoming chair of the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore is an honor that brings with it a great deal of excitement for the momentum and important work already underway. I want to thank the board and leadership of the EAGB for the confidence they’ve placed in me,” said Pieninck. “It’s a privilege to follow Steve, a deeply respected leader and champion of our business community. Ours is a region rich in history influenced by industries built around our famous port and carried forward by those who have recognized the incredible resources and future potential the Greater Baltimore region offers. As the region continues to expand its reach and vital role in the success and growth of Maryland, I look forward to the many opportunities for public and private partnership that will help spur innovation and investment in the prosperity of our communities. Together, we’ll lift the incredible talent and enterprises who call this region home today and attract those who share our optimistic view of the future.”
The EAGB is the only organization whose board is comprised of industry, government, education and civic leaders who work collaboratively to promote investment, economic development and attraction and retention of talent in the Region.
“I am proud to help lead the work of the EAGB at this pivotal time as we work to enrich our diverse and vibrant communities, people and businesses; support an equitable and inclusive gateway of opportunity; and increase awareness and excitement for those seeking to put down new roots in the Northeast Corridor,” said Pieninck, commenting on the unique nature of the EAGB board and the organization’s mission.
“It has been an honor to serve on the EAGB board and most recently as the organization’s chair, and I know the organization will continue to do great things with Brian as new board chair,” said Woerner. “BGE will continue its involvement with EAGB and its support of the Baltimore Region as Carim Khouzami, BGE’s president and CEO, joins the organization’s executive committee. On a personal note, I look forward to continuing to cheer on and support those efforts and the Greater Baltimore region even as I make the move to Boston.”
Pieninck became president and chief executive officer of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield in May 2018 after a unanimous selection by the CareFirst Boards. He joined the company in 2015 as an executive vice president and was promoted chief operating officer two years later.
Prior to joining CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Pieninck spent 19 years at Aetna, Inc. He held key leadership positions as a member of the executive team, including director of professional employer organizations, president of southeast national accounts and president of the Americas for Aetna International.
Pieninck is proud to champion economic interests throughout Greater Baltimore. He is an active member of several local boards, including the Greater Baltimore Committee, Baltimore’s Promise and the Greater Washington Board of Trade. He serves on the boards of the BlueCross BlueShield Association, the Federal Employee Program Board of Managers and Sharecare, Inc. Additionally, Pieninck is on the Board of the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare. He is chairman of the Board of Trusted Health Plans, Inc., Community Health Plan District of Columbia and the CareFirst Community Health Plan and is a recent honoree of the CEO Power 10 Award from the Baltimore Business Journal.
Pieninck is a Pennsylvania native, and he and his family reside in Baltimore County.
About the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore: The Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore (EAGB) brings together business, government, education and non-profit leaders to market the Region’s economic development assets and opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.greaterbaltimore.org.
