BlueCross BlueShied executive named United Way’s Humanitarian of the Year in the Midlands

Judy Davis said she values the camaraderie that goes into making a community stronger.

Be it serving on local boards or rallying volunteers for human service causes, the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina executive has been a beacon of service to her co-workers and neighbors in the Midlands.

Davis has been named the United Way of the Midlands 2014 Humanitarian of the Year. She will be recognized during the agency’s annual Humanitarian of the Year dinner and award ceremony Thursday at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to someone who has exhibited extraordinary service and philanthropy in the Midlands. Davis – executive vice president and chief legal officer for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and its companion companies – is credited for lending her leadership skills and working alongside volunteers to address many critical causes across the region and state.

“There are so many rewards to giving in the community, but for me it is the opportunity to meet and work with neighbors and friends, all sharing a passion for making our community better,” Davis said of her efforts.

Davis serves on the boards of EngenuitySC, SC Launch, United Way, Central Carolina Community Foundation, Columbia College and Palmetto Conservation Foundation.

She is a former board chairwoman of the United Way of the Midlands, S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and Trinity Housing Corp. of Columbia.

She chaired the United Way campaign in 2006, helping raise $9.5 million.

“Judy not only serves on numerous boards but she chairs them and she makes things happen,” said Columbia College president Beth Dinndorf. “She is very engaged and passionately committed not only to her senior executive position at BlueCross BlueShield but to everyone and every organization in the community that she helps.”

United Way president and CEO Mac Bennett credited Davis for using her resources, expertise and connections to help others.

“Judy has been a force in the Midlands community for a long time,” Bennett said. “Her unwavering optimism is contagious and has inspired so many others to serve and make a difference.”

For her part, Davis said she was surprised by her Humanitarian of the Year selection.

“My first reaction ... was to be completely humbled because I know so many people in our community who are making a significant and positive difference for all of us,” she said.

This story was originally published February 25, 2015 at 7:40 PM with the headline "BlueCross BlueShied executive named United Way’s Humanitarian of the Year in the Midlands."