(Fargo, N.D.) -- The Board of Directors of Noridian Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC), has unanimously voted to terminate Paul von Ebers' employment as President and CEO of NMIC effective immediately.

"The board felt it was necessary to make a change at the CEO position in order to ensure confidence in the future financial direction of our organization," said Ann McConn, NMIC board chair. The board of NMIC, which does business within North Dakota as Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, is unable to discuss the nature of the termination due to confidentiality.

The NMIC board appointed Tim Huckle, Chief Operating Officer of BCBSND, to serve as interim NMIC President and CEO, following through with the board's succession plan that was already in place.

McConn also added that, "The board has complete confidence in Tim Huckle, who is well positioned to serve in this role. Tim has been with the organization for more than 28 years with operations, management and leadership responsibilities. He will immediately provide leadership for NMIC's 2,600 employees, and will ensure that the organization will continue to serve its members with the same service and quality it has for more than 70 years."

About Noridian Mutual Insurance Company
With more than 70 years of experience in the health insurance industry, Fargo, N.D.-based Noridian Mutual Insurance Company provides quality health care coverage and supplemental products. NMIC offers quality health care coverage as Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota as a licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. To learn more about BCBSND, visit www.BCBSND.com.