The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Board of Directors voted Monday to replace President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Unhjem. Effective immediately, Tim Huckle, executive vice president of Health Operations, will serve as interim president and CEO.

The board said it has addressed a number of leadership challenges over the past couple of years and ultimately decided a leadership change is necessary for the company to chart a new direction.

"This was a difficult decision to make, but on behalf of our members, providers and employees, the change was necessary in order to move forward," said Dennis Elbert, board chairman. "We recognize that we must rebuild public trust and believe this decision was a necessary first step in that process."

BCBSND is directed by a board of 13 men and women who represent business, government, health care and education. Directors serve three-year terms, up to a maximum of four terms. The current composition of the board is eight consumer directors and five provider directors. Directors are elected by a majority vote of BCBSND members at the company's annual meeting.

Huckle has been with BCBSND for 23 years. In his current position, Huckle is responsible for the Medical Management; Actuarial and Membership; Provider Relations and Reimbursement; Marketing; Claims Administration and Member Services; Information Services; and Development and Business Strategies divisions.