Linda Wigal

Photo by John Sibold.

By Emily Pellham

Linda Wigal, regional vice president of sales for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia, is responsible for the strategic direction and overall performance of the West Virginia large group commercial market, delivering health insurance solutions that keep employees healthy and active in their communities.

As a third-generation dancer, Wigal imagined she would grow up to dance professionally. Though her career path shifted from her childhood expectations, she attributes some of the skills she learned through dance to her success in her professional and personal life.

“I believe the sense of confidence and teamwork that dance instilled in me has allowed me to succeed as a woman in health care leadership,” says Wigal.

She was born and raised in Parkersburg, WV, where she planted deep roots in the Mountain State.

“Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have supportive parents. They encouraged me to dream big and taught me that with enough hard work and dedication, any goal is within reach,” says Wigal.

This support was a direct reflection of her parents’ own successful careers and extensive connection with local charities and community groups.

Wigal’s father was a good mentor for her career, as he was a successful sales executive at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield before he later went on to open his own insurance agency. Though Wigal’s first job was as an administrative assistant at an accounting firm, she began her career with Highmark immediately upon graduating from West Virginia University (WVU). Remembering her first position as an account executive, Wigal recalls, “When I began, the company was small, so I had the opportunity to learn about various aspects of the business beyond my direct responsibilities that provided me with a good foundation that I carried throughout my career.”

Wigal would go on to accept a position as director of client management. As she transferred within the company, she began to acquire new skills and understanding that would influence current and future professional choices.

“The most important things I learned were the importance of delivering an exceptional customer experience, building strong relationships, teamwork and being prepared,” Wigal says. “I also learned the importance of creating good culture in the workplace. To this day, I make it a priority to create a positive culture for my team so they feel valued and motivated in reaching their professional goals.”

In addition to her current role, Wigal looks to support and contribute to causes that have a clear mission and a demonstrated community or health-related impact. As a young adult, she was president of WVU’s Delta Gamma sorority and spent time reading to the blind, as well as raised funds through Anchor Splash, which raised awareness about visual impairments. Currently, Wigal serves on the board of directors of the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council as well as the Camden Clark Medical Center board of trustees. Wigal is also a member of the Sons of Italy, in which she has been able to raise money for student scholarships and prepare and serve food during the Parkersburg Half Marathon.

Though Wigal has accomplished much during her lifetime, she still sees the future as an opportunity to continue to improve the lives of those around her.

“From my time in health care, there have been many positive changes that have impacted this industry,” she says, “However, I still see opportunity to continue to improve the overall health of West Virginia, and I am proud to be a part of the solution providing West Virginians with innovative products and solutions that will improve outcomes.”

With her roots planted in West Virginia from the day she was born, Wigal plans to always continue giving back to her community.

“When we have resources to give—whether time, money or support—it’s our social responsibility to provide these resources to those who may not have them. Giving back is also a wonderful way to become involved in your community.”