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Laura Jackson received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, and a master's degree from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.

Laura Jackson has been with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield since 2002, and serves as executive vice president, health equity, access & improvement. Her division works collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders both within Wellmark and externally to energize Wellmark's on-going commitment to improve community health. Jackson leads Wellmark's enhanced efforts to drive health care change and to address Iowa's and South Dakota's social determinants of health — the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health and quality-of-life risks and outcomes.

Previously, Jackson served as executive vice president, chief health officer. This work included implementing a balanced approach to continuously improve quality, reducing the rate of health care cost increases, engaging consumers and helping create healthier communities for Iowans and South Dakotans. She also oversaw the management and compensation of the provider network, pharmacy, health services, community health improvement, and The Wellmark Foundation.

Prior to joining Wellmark, Jackson was vice president of human resources at The Principal Financial Group in Des Moines. Before that, she worked in human resources roles in Des Moines and in the Washington, D.C. area.

Jackson is on various Boards of Directors that include Des Moines University, ITA Group, Healthiest State Initiative, and as a member of Iowa State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Dean's Advisory Council. In 2013, she was chosen as one of eight women to receive the Des Moines Business Record's Women of Influence Award. She was also chosen by Iowa State University College of LAS to receive the 2014 Citation of Merit Award.