FARGO, N.D. — Kathy Helming has joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) as director of Continuous Improvement and Performance in Health Network Innovation.

As a result of the Affordable Care Act, BCBSND is preparing to move into a transformation environment. In this role, Helming directs the development and maintenance of practice transformation strategy and supports the company's strategic initiatives. She also leads process improvement and business process modeling activities.

Before joining BCBSND, Helming worked as executive director of the office of continuous improvement Sanford Health Fargo. She was responsible for aligning process improvement work with system performance metrics, developing people through coaching and facilitation in the application of continuous improvement principles and building effective partnerships to support an integrated business approach.

Born in Rugby, N.D., Helming grew up in Minot, N.D. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from North Dakota State University in Fargo, and a Master of Science degree in administration with a health services concentration from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

BCBSND is a member-owned, not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. As North Dakota's largest provider of health care coverage, BCBSND is taking BOLD steps to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, clinics and members to ensure affordable access to quality health care in the state. To learn more about BCBSND, visit www.BCBSND.com.