Daniel J. Loepp, President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan named Executive Committee Chair of the Downtown Detroit Partnership

Blue Cross advances its commitment to core cities by elevating role in collaborative partnership among Detroit’s business leaders.
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DETROIT — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is pleased to announce the election of President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp to Executive Committee Chair of the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP).  Loepp will succeed Tony Earley of DTE Energy, who recently announced his move to PG&E Corporation in San Francisco.

In his new role as Executive Committee Chair, Loepp will continue to build on a legacy of positive change, fostering collaboration among Detroit’s great business and civic leaders. Loepp is eager to cultivate innovative partnerships that will help build a critical mass to permanently improve the city for its residents and its business community.

“The Downtown Detroit Partnership is making a difference. You can see it in a significant way with the revitalization of the city, and I see it continuing substantially,” said Loepp.  “What you have here is a group of believers that are passionate about making it happen. Roger Penske, Tony Earley, Cindy Pasky and more have done an outstanding job leading the effort and I’m honored and proud to carry the baton.”

Loepp’s belief in Detroit paired with his visionary leadership, led to the Blues decision to unite its campus by beginning the process earlier this year of relocating 3,000 suburban workers to the GM Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. With approximately 6,000 employees working downtown after the moves are complete in 2012, BCBSM will become the largest private employer in the city’s central business district. These actions reflect his belief in a bright future for Michigan and Detroit, and his deep conviction that strengthening our core cities will help the entire state prosper.

“Moving Detroit forward means leaving behind the mantra that economic change creates winners and losers.” Loepp said. “Everyone in Detroit wins when people invest in Detroit. Creating a culture of partnerships where we all are invested in each others success will create the positive momentum that we need to permanently and positively change our community.”

Loepp played an integral role in developing the Live Downtown incentive program, a partnership with the DDP, Quicken Loans, Compuware, DTE Energy and Strategic Staffing Solutions. The program has received tremendous positive response since its introduction this summer.

“Dan walks the walk and then talks about it …not just for Detroit, but for Michigan,” said Cindy Pasky, chair of the DDP Board of Directors. “His mantra has always been consistent improvement and personal accountability – two characteristics that are essential to guiding a company and an organization like the Downtown Detroit Partnership.”

About Dan Loepp

Dan Loepp is in his fifth year as president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. He currently chairs the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) board of directors. Loepp also serves on the board of directors for: Detroit Economic Growth Corporation; Business Leaders for Michigan; New Detroit; the Downtown Detroit Partnership; Detroit Economic Club, The Parade Company and the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. Loepp previously served on the board of directors for the Detroit Regional Chamber, chairing the 2007 Mackinac Policy Conference.

Loepp has received several honors during his tenure with the Blues, including: Crain’s Detroit Business Newsmakers of the Year in 2011; Outstanding Leadership Award from Yeshiva Beth Yehudah in 2008; Distinguished Alumni Award from Wayne State University in 2007; Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services (ACCESS) Community Leadership Award in 2007 and Michigan Children’s Hero’s Night recognition in 2006.