BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — The Raritan Valley Community College Board of Trustees welcomed new member Terence L. Byrd of Warren during its meeting Jan. 20.
Byrd was appointed to the board by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners. He brings more than 35 years of experience as a senior healthcare executive and strategic leader in the health insurance, managed care and healthcare management sectors, college officials said.
Before joining the board, Byrd held senior executive positions with national and regional healthcare organizations, including serving as president and founder of Mercy Health Plan, also known as Horizon NJ Health; president of Healthfirst NJ; and chief executive officer of Aetna Better Health of Kentucky. His career includes launching Medicaid and Medicare managed care health plans and leading operational turnarounds in government-sector healthcare organizations, officials said.
College officials said Byrd is recognized for his leadership in governance, organizational strategy and workforce development, with a focus on aligning education, healthcare and labor market needs. His appointment reflects a commitment to expanding access to education, strengthening institutional excellence and advancing student success, they said.
Byrd earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Lafayette College, where he was a Division I football starter, and completed graduate-level coursework in Monmouth University’s MBA program.
He also holds life and health insurance producer licenses in multiple states and is involved in promoting financial literacy through whole life insurance education and sales, according to the college.
