Highmark Names Interim CEO

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Highmark Board of Directors has named Board Chairman, Dr. J. Robert Baum, Highmark's interim CEO.

Thursday night's announcement came in the form of a written statement released by Highmark following an emergency meeting of the board.

Baum replaces Dr. Kenneth Melani in the insurance company's top spot, following an embarrassing and tawdry incident involving Melani, and a female Highmark employee and the woman's husband.

This past weekend, Oakmont police said Dr. Melani first got into a verbal fight with his alleged mistress and then the two men exchanged words and got into a fist fight before police arrived.

Melani also got into an argument with the woman police identified as Melissa Myler.

Melani allegedly called her a "slut" and said she was only after his money.

Melani was charged with simple assault and defiant trespass.

A statement by Dr. Baum, said in part, "We regret this situation arose. The board is fully committed to Highmark's mission, and the business strategies that will guide us going forward."

The board gave no indication how long Baum will continue in the interim post.

RELATED LINKS
More Highmark News
More Business News