Melinda S. Balezentis, MHA, Ph.D.

Dr. Melinda S. Balezentis is a seasoned industry leader with over two decades of health care and consulting experience, culminating in her most recent role at Cigna Healthcare. In her capacity as Vice President and National Account Executive, she serves as the primary liaison for the City of Houston, overseeing medical benefits administration, health and wellness programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Melinda has been at the forefront of promoting community wellness and environmental sustainability through her dedication to local initiatives in the Houston area. Recognizing the vital link between physical health, mental wellbeing and the effects of climate change, Melinda spearheaded Cigna’s efforts to revitalize neighborhood parks in Houston, focusing on the enhancement of Grimes Park in the Sunnyside neighborhood. The project, completed in December 2023, transformed the park into a hub for recreation and civic engagement, featuring a football field, modern playground, basketball pavilion, tennis courts, walking paths, and improved lighting, benefiting approximately 3,000 community members.

Moreover, her commitment to community health and engagement extends to the sponsorship of “Sunday in the Park.” These family-focused events held in local underserved parks offer food, entertainment, and activities to promote wellness and fellowship among residents. Additionally, as a partner of the City of Houston’s Complete Communities initiative, Melinda’s team collaborates with Brighter Bites to offer healthy eating instructions and fresh produce to approximately 500 elementary students and their families, addressing food insecurity and promoting healthier lifestyles within the community.

Melinda’s professional journey highlights tenures at prestigious firms, including Deloitte, Mercer, Buck Consultants, and Global Consulting Partners, where she held key roles in HR leadership and HR/Healthcare Benefits (Total Rewards) consulting. Beyond her consulting roles, she also served as the Director of Sales and Service for National Accounts at Aetna and a Clinical Administrator for UT Medical School. Throughout her career, Melinda has cultivated her expertise in collaborating with large commercial employers, municipalities, and higher education clients by offering innovative strategies and workforce solutions aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery efficiencies, cost management, and better health outcomes for their employees and families.

Her academic accomplishments underscore her commitment to continuous learning and advancement, having earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman’s University, and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management with an emphasis in Human Resources from Capella University.

Melinda’s passion for education extends to her roles as adjunct faculty at various universities. In addition to her professional commitments and academic pursuits, Melinda has showcased her knowledge and experience through publications in renowned journals, such as Workspan, World at Work, and Benefits Quarterly. Dr. Balezentis regularly contributes her leadership to local organizations serving as a board member for the Houston Firefighters Foundation and as an advisory board member for Houston Christian University’s Women in Leadership Graduate Program. This dedication to community involvement is further evidenced by her longstanding committee membership supporting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

By leveraging her expertise in consulting and her passion for social impact, Dr. Balezentis continues to make a meaningful difference fostering a culture of health and vitality in the lives within the Houston community at-large.