JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – David Smith, regional vice president of government affairs for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri, will remain in his position at Anthem, declining the governmental affairs position at the University of Missouri.
“I want to thank the University for the opportunity offered to me, but I have decided to remain at Anthem,” Smith said in a statement to the Missouri Times. “I wish the University only the best and will remain a strong supporter in future years.”
The University of Missouri made moves to improve their government affairs team over the past month as heat rose regarding spending and contracts with Planned Parenthood. Since tensions arose, the university has changed system and campus leadership.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.