Two weeks after graduating from the University of Iowa, Simone began her professional career at Rockwell International Graphics Systems Division in their Data Processing Department. Simone was exposed to the intricacies of customer service relationships. Simone credits her work ethic and structure to the leadership of the many mentors at Rockwell International where they were committed to employee development and growth.Early in her career, Simone quickly transitioned to Rockwell’s supervisory level to work as a Supervisor of 5 employees in the Data Entry department. She later moved to more challenging positions (Programmer I and II) in order to meet the needs of the company as well as her own personal and professional development.

She traveled to many states to learn the latest and greatest technology in the mid 80’s. Leveraging her knowledge in the technology arena she obtained many positions in the consulting world. Simone has worked with large clients such as Andersen Consulting, C.N.A Insurance, Society of Actuaries and Veterans Health Administration.Additionally, Simone gained exposure on a global stage teaching Chief Technology Officers, Managers and Supervisors world wide on the changes in technology that will be implemented at their local sites. These sessions often reached over 2000+ listeners.Although as an Enterprise Manager at the Veterans health Administration where she and her team supported over 220,000+ users, her focus was on efficiency strategies. The implementation of the new technology within the government branch proved to be successful by their efficiency scales. It was indeed her exposure to a wide variety of organizational structures that influenced Simone to pursue other career opportunities in the healthcare industry.

With over 20 years’ experience in various industries and applying a strong expertise in data-driven, long-term strategic planning, Simone has been a welcome addition to her current role as the Director of Clinical Operations – Government Programs division.Her key responsibilities now are to provide prompt responses to the State (CMS, HSAG and HFS), preparing care coordinators for state auditing and providing services to our community through the Community Social Service team.

She is also responsible for care coordination accreditation submission which is to provide quantitative and qualitative analysis for quality improvement projects.Simone is also actively engaged in Blue Cross as she serves as the Co-Chair on the BCBSIL United Way Steering Committee for BCBSIL Corporate Chapter for the last 10 years raising $1 million dollars annually.Her mission in life is to affect transformational change in society through education and her personal experiences. Her success is truly defined in other’s triumphs and growth. Managing to uniquely divide her time, she serves on the advisory board of SMT (Serving ManKind Together) Foundation and serves on Make A Wish Diversity Council. In addition she serves as the President on Health Care Service Corporations Affinity group AAIM.