PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 11, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Heather Falck Major, CHIE, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Falck Major's distinguished career of more than 20 years in healthcare leadership is marked by a steady progression through pivotal roles at Independence Blue Cross and its affiliated organizations. In June 2026, she began serving as president of Independence Blue Cross Foundation, becoming the successor to the first president. This role complements her position as the executive director of the foundation and her responsibilities for the foundation's grant funding, public affairs, strategic communications, cross-sector collaboration, and engagement with the board and stakeholders since 2021. Her expertise in strategic and operational planning, program design and budget oversight has been key in shaping the foundation's purpose and impact.

From 2019 to 2021, Ms. Falck Major held the position of director of foundation programs at Independence Blue Cross Foundation. In this capacity, she led grants and initiatives and ensured the foundation's rapid response to community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, she spent three years as the manager of Independence Blue Cross Foundation programs, during which her responsibilities included overseeing more than $20 million in nonprofit grants and funding and serving as managing editor of the foundation's award-winning "Journal of Change" publication.

As a senior foundation program specialist from 2014 to 2016, Ms. Falck Major was involved in developing new initiatives and advancing the foundation's funding for area nursing schools and health centers. Prior to beginning her work with the corporate foundation, she excelled as a business analyst at Independence Blue Cross from 2010 to 2012.

Ms. Falck Major began her professional experience with nearly six years at AmeriHealth New Jersey, starting as an associate underwriter from 2004 to 2007. Gaining valuable experience throughout this time, she progressed to the role of underwriter for retention in 2007 and then became an underwriter for local and national rating from 2008 to 2010, all of which provided her with a comprehensive understanding of insurance operations and set the stage for her transition into leadership roles.

Though her journey counts several significant milestones that reflect her dedication to both industry advancement and community impact, Ms. Falck Major is especially proud of being recognized as a fellow of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) through its executive leadership program. This yearlong fellowship allowed her to collaborate with peers across the United States, deepening her insight into healthcare and leadership beyond what is typically available at conferences. The experience deepened her knowledge and strengthened her aptitude, enhancing her ability to lead a corporate foundation that is advancing innovation and initiatives in the health workforce and community health.

Another notable accomplishment is Ms. Falck Major's role in designing the nation's first collegiate program for student veterans to become nurses. Inspired by her family's military background, this initiative created a new pathway for veterans to become part of the health workforce to serve the needs of communities after completing military duty.

Alongside her primary roles, Ms. Falck Major is an active member of the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose, and the Council on Foundations.

Hailing from an equally accomplished academic background, Ms. Falck Major earned a Bachelor of Science in health policy administration from The Pennsylvania State University in 2001 and later completed executive education in leadership at The Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in 2025. To augment her professional qualifications, she is formally certified as a health insurance executive (CHIE).

Reflecting on her career, Ms. Falck Major attributes her success to cultivating a variety of relationships and investing time and energy to attain her goals. She approaches life with a sense of humor and humility, believing these qualities help her to navigate both successes and setbacks.

From educational initiatives to animal welfare, civic engagement has long been a central facet of Ms. Falck Major's life. She serves on several boards and in advisory roles with prominent organizations such as the Philadelphia Zoo, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA), Jefferson University College of Nursing Dean's Advisory Board, the Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner advisory board at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, the M. Louis Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Board of Consultors at Villanova University.

Ms. Falck Major was also the voice of the foundation's first and global-reaching podcast: "Someone You Know," hosting numerous interviews and insightful conversations reduced the social stigma associated with opioid addiction while celebrating inspiring stories of recovery.

Widely recognized for her exemplary leadership and public service over the years, Ms. Falck Major has received several accolades including the Forty in their 40s Award from City and State PA in 2025, the Modern Healthcare Innovators Award from Modern Healthcare in 2025 and business excellence awards from Independence Blue Cross in 2007. She was also presented with the Urban Affairs Coalition Community Leadership Award in 2016 and named as a Philadelphia Business Journal Woman of Distinction Rising Star Award finalist in 2013.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Falck Major is happily married and a proud mother who cherishes spending time with her family. Once an avid marathon runner who achieved her goal of qualifying for the 118th Boston Marathon in 2014 — one year after the tragic Boston bombing, a tragedy that held deep personal meaning for her — she now enjoys seeing life through the eyes of her son whose curiosity inspires her daily perspective.

With an eye to the future, Ms. Falck Major envisions a broader, coordinated care network and greater opportunities to evolve health workforce education. She remains committed to making meaningful contributions both professionally and personally as a leader dedicated to positive change.

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