As vice president of marketing for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), Vicki McDonald keeps one eye on the health insurance industry to foresee product trends, and the other on the latest in multi-tiered marketing approaches, to keep ahead of the pack when it comes to brand presence. And with more than 20 years of experience in all phases of marketing operations — and a professional lifetime in the health care industry — this simply comes second nature to her.

At age 16, Vicki delivered trays to patients at Mesa General Hospital. After that, she worked with doctors, and then on the business side of health care, as she originally intended on becoming a nurse. From there, she never looked back, knowing this industry happily would envelop her career.

Vicki joined BCBSAZ in April 2004. She is responsible for the company’s strategic marketing efforts to integrate product development, research, internet-based tools, advertising and public relations. Prior to BCBSAZ, Vicki served as vice president of marketing for Health Net of California where she led the strategic market initiatives for the company. She has also held executive-level positions with Solucient, MedPartners, Travelers Insurance Company and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado.

Vicki received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Arizona State University and completed graduate course work at the University of Denver.

Vicki somehow finds the time to fit in a personal life as well. She volunteers her time as a board member for the Phoenix Theatre, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix and Phoenix Suns Charities. She is a graduate of Valley Leadership, Class XXVII. Vicki, a connoisseur of wines and art, also paints and knits in her spare time.

She and her husband, Jack, live in Central Phoenix.