Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) has named nationally recognized Dr. Woodrow Myers Jr. as the company's chief medical officer and health strategist.

The post was left vacant by the retiring Dr. Vishu Jhaveri.

In his new role, Myers will focus on provider relationships and will help to play a role in the state of Arizona's future healthcare delivery.

"As the state's largest locally-owned healthcare insurer, BCBSAZ is deeply entrenched in the community," Myers said in a press release. "There is so much opportunity to impact health in a positive way whether it is at the individual level or at the state level. I'm eager to meet Arizona's provider community and state regulators to further develop strategies and unique partnerships that improve access to care and quality outcomes."

Myers previously served as executive vice president and chief medical officer at Anthem, which was formerly WellPoint Inc. He also served as director of health care management at Ford Motor Co. and was health commissioner for New York City and the State of Indiana. 

He is a Harvard Medical School and Stanford University alumnus and has served on both institution's boards.