Elevance Health Announces Appointment of Amy Schulman as Independent Director
Elevance Health announced today that its board of directors has appointed Amy Schulman, a widely respected healthcare executive, seasoned investor, and experienced governance leader, as an independent director effective January 12, 2026. Schulman will join both the Audit Committee and the Finance Committee, bringing to the board a combination of operational, regulatory, and investment expertise that positions her to contribute meaningfully to Elevance Health’s strategic vision and governance oversight.
The addition of Schulman reflects Elevance Health’s ongoing board refreshment efforts—a multi-year strategy aimed at ensuring the organization has a diverse, future-focused, and highly independent board capable of guiding the company through the evolving healthcare landscape. With the industry undergoing rapid transformation driven by advances in technology, new care models, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer expectations, Elevance Health continues to prioritize board leadership that can provide a blend of strategic insight, robust fiduciary oversight, and a deep understanding of healthcare innovation and value-creation.
A Leader at the Intersection of Healthcare, Innovation, and Investment
Amy Schulman brings decades of experience across the healthcare, life sciences, and technology sectors. Her career spans leadership roles in major global enterprises, high-growth biotechnology companies, and investment organizations that have shaped the modern healthcare innovation ecosystem.
Currently, Schulman serves as Managing Partner at Polaris Partners, a prominent venture capital firm that manages over $4 billion in assets across healthcare and technology funds. In her role, she oversees investments in emerging biotechnology, medical technology, and digital health companies, working closely with founders and board members to guide organizations from early-stage formation through clinical development and commercialization. Her investment leadership has contributed to the development of breakthrough therapies and cutting-edge technologies, positioning her as an influential voice in the future of healthcare innovation.
Schulman also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company known for pioneering RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. Under her board leadership, Alnylam has advanced multiple first-in-class therapeutics and expanded its global footprint, further solidifying its role as one of the most innovative companies in modern biotechnology.
In addition to her corporate and investment roles, Schulman is a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School. She teaches courses on leadership, corporate governance, and the operational complexities faced by boards and executive teams in highly regulated industries. Her academic work, combined with her corporate leadership, gives her a unique ability to understand and address the governance needs of global healthcare organizations.
A Record of Transformational Leadership at Pfizer and Beyond
Earlier in her career, Schulman held a series of senior executive roles at Pfizer Inc., one of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies. As Executive Vice President and General Counsel, she led major regulatory, compliance, and legal initiatives during a time of significant industry change. Schulman played a central role in shaping Pfizer’s governance and strategic decision-making, particularly as the company navigated large-scale transactions, emerging regulatory requirements, and a rapidly expanding global footprint.
She later served as President of Pfizer Nutrition, overseeing the business during a period marked by significant growth and strategic transformation. Under her leadership, Pfizer Nutrition executed key market expansions and operational improvements that ultimately strengthened the division’s value. Her ability to drive disciplined investment, global operations, and strategic transactions contributed to her reputation as a capable and forward-thinking leader.
Elevance Health Highlights the Strategic Importance of Schulman’s Appointment
Ramey Peru, Chair of the Elevance Health Board of Directors, emphasized the value Schulman will bring to the board at a pivotal moment for the company and the broader healthcare industry.
Amy’s record of driving innovation, disciplined investment, and strong governance across the healthcare ecosystem will further strengthen our board’s ability to deliver long-term value for shareholders and meaningful outcomes for consumers,” said Peru. “Her insight into the intersection of science, technology, and patient care makes her an exceptional addition as we continue to advance and expand our services.”
Peru noted that Elevance Health’s board refreshment strategy is designed to ensure the organization has leaders who combine deep industry knowledge with diverse perspectives, enabling the company to respond effectively to complex challenges and opportunities. Key areas of strategic focus for the board include healthcare affordability, digital transformation, community-based care models, data-driven innovation, and value-based care.
Supporting Elevance Health’s Mission and Long-Term Strategy
Elevance Health has continued to evolve from a traditional health benefits provider into a comprehensive health partner, integrating clinical, digital, and social services to improve outcomes and reduce barriers to high-quality care. As the company advances these priorities, it seeks board members with demonstrated capability in areas such as healthcare technology, clinical innovation, risk management, and global operations.
Amy’s appointment underscores our commitment to a strong, independent board with diverse perspectives and the right balance of experience and innovation,” Peru added. “As Elevance Health continues to execute its strategy, the board’s refreshment process remains central to our mission of improving health outcomes while delivering sustainable, long-term value.”
Schulman’s broad leadership background is expected to strengthen the board’s oversight in core areas including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, financial stewardship, strategic investments, and emerging technologies—particularly as Elevance Health accelerates its efforts to build a more integrated, data-enabled healthcare ecosystem.
The appointment of Schulman builds on Elevance Health’s long-standing commitment to strong governance practices, board diversity, and continuous refreshment. In recent years, the company has added board members with extensive backgrounds in digital health, biotechnology, public policy, global operations, and consumer-centric innovation. Schulman’s expertise complements these strengths and expands the board’s collective capabilities.
As healthcare organizations navigate a landscape defined by rapid scientific advances, increased consumer engagement, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, Elevance Health continues to place a high priority on governance excellence and strategic leadership.
The company expects Schulman’s contributions to support its work in areas such as advanced analytics, precision medicine, healthcare affordability, and community-based care models—areas where Elevance Health aims to lead the industry in innovation, operational excellence, and meaningful consumer impact.
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