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WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 6, 2008) - CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) has named Tonya Vidal Kinlow to the newly created position of Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Capital Area. Kinlow joins a newly expanded public policy team that will lead CareFirst's efforts on local, regional and national government affairs and policy matters. Kinlow most recently served as Ombudsman for Public Education under Mayor Adrian Fenty in Washington, D.C. Tonya's role with CareFirst will include representing CareFirst's interests before legislative and regulatory bodies in the District and Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Tonya has more than 25 years of distinguished service to the District and we are excited that she will bring her knowledge and expertise on D.C. matters to CareFirst," said Maria Harris Tildon, CareFirst Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Community Relations. "Tonya's strong connection to the community will be a great benefit as we work to strengthen CareFirst's ability to serve members in and around the National Capital Area."

As Ombudsman for the District's public schools, Kinlow served as an advocate for District parents and students and advised the Mayor, City Council Members and public education leaders on community concerns. Previously, Kinlow was Vice President of Government Relations for the D.C. Hospital Association and managed government relations for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan for D.C. and Maryland. Kinlow has also been a member of the District's Board of Education, the Board of community group DC VOICE, adult education class facilitator at Covenant Baptist Church, counselor at the D.C. Rape Crisis Center and president of the DC Association of Health Maintenance Organizations. Kinlow began her public service career as a legislative assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kinlow is an honors graduate of American University, with a Master's in Public Administration. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Loyola University of New Orleans, La.

In its 71st year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care organization which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.3 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. Through its Commitment initiative and other public mission activities, CareFirst supports efforts to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas.

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