PHILADELPHIA, PA., June 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) president and CEO, was honored today with the 2014 American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Citizen of the Year Award for his strong support of Red Cross services and his advocacy of corporate philanthropy throughout the region. Hilferty received the distinction at the 31st annual award breakfast held at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.
"This award is particularly special to me because I am following in the footsteps of my predecessors at Independence: Joe Frick received this award in 2008 and Fred DiBona received it in 1994," said Hilferty when he received the award. "I know they, like me, believed that our partnership with the Red Cross is one of the best ways our company can show our community that we truly care about them and will be there for them in their most difficult and trying times."
In Hilferty's remarks, he also acknowledged event attendee and past Citizen of the Year award honoree — Walter D'Alessio, chairman of the Independence board of directors and principal of NorthMarq Advisors, LLC.
For more than 30 years, the American Red Cross SEPA has recognized local citizens for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the region's civic and charitable organizations. The American Red Cross SEPA is a not-for-profit organization that provides shelter, food, and emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 8.5 million people in 24 states and the District of Columbia. For more than 75 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more about how we're changing the game, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.