Courtney Frost has been named Executive Director of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. She will officially transition from her current role of senior program officer on April 14.

Courtney has worked for the Foundation since 2015, when she was hired as a program coordinator. She was promoted to program officer, then senior program officer before being selected to replace Kendra Witt-Doyle, who is leaving the company after 18 years to start her own business.

Many of our community partners have worked with Courtney over the past decade in the Mayor’s Walking Challenge, Community Health Academy, Community Transformation Grant, and The Community Project. She also launched the Community Health Champion Award in 2024.

Courtney took some time to answer a few questions about her new role.

What are you most excited about moving into the Executive Director role?

I get to continue to grow with a company I really respect. Blue Cross of Idaho and the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health are two mission-driven organizations which is very important to me. Both organizations have leaders and staff that I am continuously impressed with.

I am so incredibly grateful to have worked in the nonprofit/philanthropy sectors all my adult life. This is very important to my personal values. I am honored that I can continue to grow in this sector.

What prepared you for this role?

First, I think that working along side of Kendra for 10 years has been an incredible experience. Working with her helped me grow and flex muscles I didn’t know I had. She really brings out the strategic thinking in everyone she works with.

I also have done just about every possible task in my time with the Foundation. I have worked in just about every county in Idaho, which has given me a unique perspective on how best to serve the state.

What’s your first goal as Executive Director?

I want to double-down on strengthening partnerships and our reach. I am really proud of the way we show up for our partners around the state. We are a health partner and not just a funder. We say it often, that we don’t just cut checks and walk away. We will continue to operate with that model.

What’s going to change now that you’re leading the organization?

We have momentum currently in our work and it’s not the time nor place for major changes. It’s a chaotic time for people in healthcare, schools, and our communities. Our mission and values aren’t changing.  We’re still going to show up for our partners statewide. We need to be open to adapting and meeting communities where they need us and continuing to make space for listening and learning during evolving times.

What’s one thing you want people to know about the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health?

We are a statewide, private foundation that focuses on quality partnerships. Our geographic footprint and our funding footprint is the entire state. I am very proud of that. No matter the size of the city or school district, if there is mission alignment, we lean in for a thoughtful, sustainable partnership.

On the lighter side, what’s some good advice?

In these times of chaos, make sure you’ve got a good walk-up song prepared! I learned that lesson while preparing for labor with my first child – so many things are out of your control. So control your controllable. Two of those controllables — your mindset and playlist. I have been a fan of PawPaw Rod for a while and just saw him perform at Treefort Music Fest. He is a great one for spring weather, good vibes, and getting stuff done. My musical taste is all over the place, from The Rolling Stones to Kendrick Lamar and from Talking Heads to Beyonce. Make sure your music library is set for whatever occasion or meeting you are walking into to get your mind right.