On to the next chapter ...

20 years ago today, an excited 23-year old wearing a sage green silk skirt suit drove from Lakewood to Mountlake Terrace for her first day on the job at Premera Blue Cross.

I've looked upon just about every day since with that same excitement and anticipation. Working in healthcare can be thick with compliance red tape and regulation, constant change, and curveballs. Still, having the honor and responsibility to be there for people when they need you most - providing peace of mind when it comes to healthcare - is something that I'm immensely proud of.

I've held more positions that I can count, sat at more desks that I can remember, and worked with and for thousands of amazing people.

Every experience - even those that were particularly tough - have taught me invaluable lessons:

• Be professional in all that you do, no matter what the situation, and no matter what the outcome.
• Treat all people with respect. Trust the experts in the trenches.
• Make sure your people know you have their back, both on and off the field.
• Put customers first and see your service and products through their eyes.
• Embrace change with a tremendously open mind.
• Say thank you, share your mistakes, have fun, bring chocolate.

I achieved what I set out to do 20 years ago and it's been an absolutely amazing experience. I'm grateful for all of the opportunities that have been provided to me throughout the years - even when I wasn't entirely sure I was ready to receive them.

My last day of service to Premera will be July 14th.