January 31, 2012
Press Release

THINK DETROIT PAL IS EXCITED TO WELCOME ANDY HETZEL TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Detroit, Mich – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) executive Andy Hetzel became a member of the Think Detroit PAL Board of Directors after a unanimous vote by the board at its most recent meeting on January 19.

Hetzel is the Vice President of Corporate Communications at BCBSM, which is a $20 billion enterprise that provides health coverage to 4.3 million members and has 7,000 employees. As the VP of Corporate Communications, Hetzel oversees the organization’s communications policies and manages internal and external communications for BCBSM and Blue Care Network of Michigan. Hetzel’s department is also responsible for brand and reputational management, as well as media and public relations.

Hetzel has been at BCBSM since 2005. Prior to that, Hetzel worked at public relations firm John Bailey & Associates, Inc. (JB&A) in Troy for five years. While at JB&A, Hetzel managed accounts in the automotive, professional services, telecommunications, health care and nonprofit areas and also spearheaded the creation of the firm’s public affairs practice in Lansing. Before his stint at JB&A, Hetzel held several staff positions with state legislatures in New York and Michigan, including serving as press secretary for the Michigan House of Representatives Democratic Caucus from 1998 to 2000.

Hetzel, who is a graduate of Syracuse University, is member an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). He also serves on the board of the Area Agency on Aging Region 1-B, which is state’s largest agency coordinating services to older adults and adults with disabilities.

Think Detroit PAL was formed in 2006 with the merger of Think Detroit Inc. and the Detroit Police Athletic League.  In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Think Detroit PAL builds character in young people through athletic, academic and leadership development programs.  In 2011, Think Detroit PAL served over 10,000 girls and boys through 10 sports, making it one of the largest youth organizations in the state of Michigan. More than 80 cents of each dollar donated to Think Detroit PAL goes directly into programming.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Think Detroit PAL at 313-833-1600 or on the web at www.thinkdetroitpal.org.