VCU news

By Anne Buckley

Thomas G. Snead Jr. today begins his term as rector of the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors, succeeding Anne J.G. “Panny” Rhodes.

Snead has served as a member of the VCU Board of Visitors since 2004. He has served as the board’s vice rector and as chair of the External and Alumni Relations and Academic and Health Affairs Policies committees.  He also has served on the Audit and Compliance and Finance, Investment and Property committees.

Snead is the former chairman and CEO of Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield. Prior to his retirement, he served as president and CEO of the Southeast Region for WellPoint Inc.

Snead has a long history of community service. He currently serves on the boards of the Virginia Historical Society, The Community Foundation and ChildFund International. He also serves as chair of the finance committees of the VCU Health System board and the VCU School of Business Foundation. Snead previously served on the boards of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Virginia Healthcare Foundation and Riverside Health System Foundation.

In 2007, the VCU Board of Visitors approved naming the new School of Business building in honor of Snead and his wife, Vickie M. Snead, who served as co-chairs of the Campaign for VCU — the most ambitious and extensive capital campaign in the university’s history — and are long-time supporters of the university.

“I am especially grateful to Tom for the significant leadership role he has taken in development at VCU,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. “It has proven catalytic to the success of the university and its students. I look forward to working with him.”

Snead is a proud VCU alum, class of 1976.