Delta Dental of Arizona has announced the internal promotions of Scottsdale residents, Leslie Hess and Craig Livesay to their executive team. Ms. Hess has been named general counsel and chief compliance-risk management officer while Mr. Livesay has been elevated to vice president and chief operating officer, according to a press release. Leslie Hess Ms. Hess will expand her current corporate compliance and risk management duties to include oversight of DDAZ’s legal affairs working with outside counsel when appropriate. She will also lead and direct the companies government affairs and advocacy initiatives in Arizona and at the national level in coordination with Delta Dental Plans Association. Prior to joining Delta Dental of Arizona, Ms. Hess served as the interim director at the Arizona Department of Insurance, where she was responsible for directing and managing the operations of the state agency. Ms. Hess was tasked with analyzing, interpreting and enforcing statutes and regulations relating to all lines of insurance, including health, life, property and casualty. She also spent two years at the Arizona Legislature at Legislative Council and worked in the securities division at the Arizona Corporation Commission for seven years. Craig Livesay After 15 years with DDAZ, Mr. Livesay’s promotion to vice president and chief operating officer reflects his hard work, dedication and broad industry knowledge having previously served as vice president of operations. He will now lead the growth and development of the organizations individual market business sector and group services along with overall strategy and performance of underwriting, claims and call center operations, the press release stated.

“Both Leslie and Craig made this a very easy decision for us as their leadership capabilities and industry insight are second to none,” said Allan Allford, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona, in a prepared statement. “It is important to us as the leading dental insurance provider in Arizona to have the most talented individuals lead these departments as we continue to grow and launch new products and programs to make dental care accessible to all Arizonans.”

Ms. Hess and Mr. Livesay both reside in Scottsdale.