(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – With his more than 40 years of experience in Labor Relations, Community Outreach and Benefits Administration, Bill Jakobi is starting over with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield here in Western New York with the goal of making a “real impact on both Workers and access to their health care needs.”

Jakobi - the long-time United Way of Greater Niagara’s Labor Liaison to the Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, has been named as Highmark’s new Senior Labor Affairs Consultant, who will report directly to Highmark President Jessica Cox.

“As Western New York’s only health plan with a Union Workforce, we understand Labor because that’s who we are,” Cox (Pictured Above With Jakobi/Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Provided Photos) said of Jakobi.  “We are pleased to welcome Bill to the team to provide support to the dozens of Unions and Municipalities in Western New York that we insure.  He brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of Labor.  His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to enhance and build upon our long-standing commitment to Labor in Western New York.”

Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153 represents around 500 Highmark Employees. 

In his new role, Jakobi will provide support and vision to the Health Care Organization to guide its Organized Labor strategy and successfully respond to the needs of its client base. 

During an interview with WNYLaborToday.com, Cox said Jakobi “is going to help how Highmark brings its ‘Labor Voice’ out into the community.”

“He’s ‘fantastic,’” Cox said.  “(His nearly 40 years of) education and knowledge (that he provides) ‘is absolutely critical’ for our Staff and Department Managers as our team gets out into the (Labor) Community.  Bill ‘is always being asked questions and he is spot on with his answers with the rapport and data he has on local Labor.’  (His) ‘breath and scope is really large.’”

Most recently, Jakobi served as AFL-CIO Labor Liaison/Campaign Coordinator for the United Way of Greater Niagara, where he built strong relationships between Unions and the broader community, spearheaded a variety of annual fundraising initiatives, and provided vital support to Workers during difficult times.

One of his greatest achievements was the role he played in making the Niagara-Orleans Labor Council’s annual Labor’s Night At The Races fundraising event (which is sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield) that is held at Ransomville Raceway in Niagara County such a major success.  Over the past 15 years, Labor’s Night At The Races has raised more than $250,000 to help fund a variety of beneficial community programs through the United Way of Greater Niagara.

Jakobi also previously held a variety of positions at Carbide/Graphite Group, Incorporated.

Jakobi has also been a Union Member of Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers (OCAW)/Pace Local 1-3516 and Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1115.

Jakobi has also been recognized for his many accomplishments, being a recipient of the CWA’s Eugene J. Mays Award, the Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation (WNYALF) Recognition Award, the Niagara-Orleans Labor Council’s Union Champion at Work Award, the Earl Frampton Community Service Award and the Niagara Wheatfield Coach of the Year Award.

WNYLaborToday.com (WNYLT) recently interviewed Jakobi, who looks forward to serving the health care needs of Western New York’s Labor Unions and his Members:

WNYLT: What interested you in the Highmark’s Labor Affairs Consultant position?

Jakobi: “This role with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ‘was a significant career move for me.’  It’s a ‘unique opportunity to work for the only’ Unionized Health Insurance Company in the region ‘and to continue supporting’ Organized Labor ‘within’ the Health Care Industry.  I’m excited to bring my experience in Labor Relations to an organization that aligns with my values and offers a chance to make a real impact on both Workers and health care access.”

WNYLT: What strengths do you bring to the position?

Jakobi: “I bring forty years of experience in the Labor Movement, along with a strong connection to the community where we live and work. Throughout my career, I've held a variety of positions within my Union, ‘which has given me a deep understanding of both the challenges Workers face and the importance of building strong, supportive relationships between Organized Labor and management.’”

WNYLT: What do you hope to accomplish?

Jakobi: “I hope to ‘provide a competitive and comprehensive solution to meet the health insurance needs of the Western New York Labor Movement.’ ‘My goal is to build a strong, long-lasting relationship between Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Labor Community, ensuring that both Workers and Unions have access to the health care coverage they deserve.’”

WNYLT: How do you intend to work with the Western New York Labor Community and how will your work benefit Organized Labor?

Jakobi: “‘I intend to continue building strong relationships within’ Organized Labor, ‘offering support whenever issues arise’ with their health insurance.  ‘My goal is to be a trusted’ resource, ‘helping Unions navigate challenges and ensuring that their Members' needs are met effectively.’ ‘By staying closely connected with the Labor Community, I can provide timely solutions and advocate for health care options that best serve their interests.’”

WNYLaborToday.com Editor’s Note: For More On This Labor News Story, Read: New Leadership At Union-Represented Highmark Western And Northeastern New York: President Jessica Cox’s ‘Appreciation’ Of Organized Labor Traced Back To Her Family’s Roots As Corrections Officers, Now ‘Aims To Build A Partnership With Local Unions’ - WNY Labor Today: Your On-Line Labor Newspaper, Bringing You Labor News From Across The Nation, New York State & Western New York

Several WNYLaborToday.com File Photos Of Bill Jakobi Also Appear In This Labor News Report.