Tamara Chafin Brandstetter Announces Retirement After 29 Years
Jean De Luca Named Successor
Tamara Chafin Brandstetter, Chief Executive Officer and President of Delta Dental of Idaho, the state’s oldest, most experienced dental benefits carrier, announced her retirement this week after nearly 30 years. Delta Dental of Idaho’s Board of Directors appointed Jean De Luca, Delta Dental of Idaho Marketing Manager, as the new President and CEO.
Chafin Brandstetter’s retirement culminates a successful career highlighted by strong leadership and numerous accomplishments. “Thanks to her vision and leadership for the past 29 years, Delta Dental of Idaho has grown from a small dental benefits company to a market leader with a strong mission to give back to Idaho’s communities and increase access to dental health for all Idahoans,” said Kurt Petellin, DDS, Delta Dental of Idaho Board Chairman.
As the incoming CEO, De Luca brings over 24 years of employee benefits experience to her new role, including six years with Delta Dental member company, Oregon Dental Service (ODS). De Luca joined Delta Dental of Idaho in 2005 and has successfully led the marketing and sales efforts of the organization. Prior to coming to Delta Dental, De Luca was the General Manager of Best Choice Administrators, a third party administrator and subsidiary of ODS. She also served as Medicaid Director and Executive Director of the Oregon Dental Foundation. She was awarded her M.B.A. from Willamette University and served on the Idaho Association of Health Underwriters (IAHU) board from 2005 to 2008.
De Luca worked closely with Chafin Brandstetter and the Delta Dental of Idaho Board of Directors over the past five years and will work closely with Chafin Brandstetter to ensure a seamless leadership transition. “With her ability to connect with people and expertise in product development and strategic planning, I have every confidence Jean will successfully lead Delta Dental and continue to deliver long-term value to our customers,” says Chafin Brandstetter.
Chafin Brandstetter looks forward to retirement but still plans to play an active role in the community. She is involved in numerous professional and civic organizations, serving as President of the Rotary Club of Boise as well as Past-Chair and current Executive Committee member of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. Chafin Brandstetter also participates on numerous boards, including Western Capital Bank, Idaho Business Coalition for Educational Excellence (IBCEE) and the Arid Club Executive Committee.
Delta Dental of Idaho has been providing dental coverage to Idaho employers with three employees or more for more than 38 years. As a non-profit organization, Delta Dental’s community outreach efforts include multiple programs that focus on education and preventive treatment for all Idahoans, with and without dental coverage.
For more information, please contact Kym Browning at (208) 489-3564.