ND Blue Cross Blue Shield fires top executive

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota has fired its president and chief executive officer after the state's dominate insurer recently reported nearly $80 million in financial losses.

Paul von Ebers has been the Blues' top executive since 2009. Von Ebers succeeded former CEO Mike Unhjem, who was fired amid criticism over a Caribbean retreat.

The insurer says its 13-member board unanimously voted to fire von Ebers on Monday. The company says Chief Operating Officer Tim Huckle will serve as interim president and CEO.

Board chair Ann McConn says in a statement that the board fired von Ebers "in order to ensure confidence in the future financial direction of our organization."

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