President, Highmark West Virginia
By Samantha Cart
James Fawcett’s family legacy of service initially inspired him to pursue a career with the U.S. Air Force. His father was a physician in the Army, and two of his second cousins served as Air Force pilots. “I was always mesmerized by hearing about their service,” he says.
During four years of college and ROTC training, where he earned a commission as a second lieutenant, Fawcett learned the importance of preparation and teamwork, skills that easily translated into a career in health care financing and management, and he now carries on his family legacy by serving the citizens of the Mountain State as president of Highmark West Virginia.
As Fawcett transitioned into the business world, he had the good fortune of joining Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania in 1988 in the national client sales division.
“Joining a company that has offered different career paths over my 32-year career and provided me with new challenges every five to 10 years has been exciting,” he says. “I have moved to several different divisions and geographies over time.”
Fawcett earned his first management role in Pennsylvania, where he ultimately became the senior vice president of all Pennsylvania sales and client management. He then made a significant leadership role change by heading up Highmark’s provider contracting efforts in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia before becoming president of Highmark West Virginia, which he considers his greatest professional achievement.
“Earning the role of president in this well-established and tremendously well-performing organization and being able to integrate with this team has been the single most enjoyable achievement in my career,” he says. “If I had not been willing to jump divisions, learn new aspects of our industry or relocate to where the new challenges are occurring, I would not have been qualified.”
Fawcett credits his dedication to being a team player—encouraging good communication, inclusion, accountability, honesty and integrity—for his success.
“I find the opportunities to improve West Virginia’s health and economy, help our customers excel in their businesses and improve staff growth and development really motivate me,” he says.
Both in and outside of work, Fawcett is passionate about serving people and improving quality of life. He is a supporter of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley and previously served as the board chair for the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. Highmark has given Fawcett the opportunity to pursue his passion for investing in the state’s economic development, and he currently serves on the board of directors for the Parkersburg-Wood County Area Development Corporation, Wood County Development Authority and West Virginia Chamber of Commerce to focus on attracting and retaining private industry in the state.
Through Highmark and the Highmark Foundation, Fawcett works toward improving the health and safety of West Virginians by garnering regional support for organizations and schools through initiatives like the Creating a Healthy School Environment Grant and Awards program. Highmark also provides funding for many organizations throughout the Mountain State, including West Virginia Health Right’s SCALE weight loss program; the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia’s Right from the Start initiative; West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s opioid addiction series; Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Maternal Opioid Medication Support program; and Huntington’s Provider Response Organization for Addiction Care and Treatment.
“Our more than 600 Highmark West Virginia employees live in communities throughout the state, and every impact we make can touch us both directly and indirectly right at home,” he says.
While Fawcett’s career has taken him to different states, he holds a special place in his heart for West Virginia and its people.
“In my 28 years with Highmark Pennsylvania, I had a number of reasons to work with our team in West Virginia,” he recalls. “I always noticed how competent, effective, kind and polite our team members were, and that stuck with me. When my predecessor announced his retirement, I immediately threw my hat in the ring. I already knew the team was outstanding, and the fit has been wonderful.”
1985 Achieved the rank of second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force
1986 Son, James III, was born
1988 Started working for Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania
1990 Son, Steven, was born
2008 Named to the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council board of directors
2013 Grandson, James IV, was born
2016 Granddaughter, Caelyn, was born
2016 Named president of Highmark West Virginia
2019 Named to West Virginia Health Information Network board of directors
2019 Granddaughter, Vanessa, was born
1 Comment
I’ve known Mr. Fawcett for years and enjoyed the time I spent collaborating with him at Highmark. He is one of the best people I know. While our paths have gone in different directions over the years, it was enjoyable “catching up ” with this article. Thank you – this was very nice writing about a very nice person.