Her Story
About Alisha
Alisha Hightower is a transformational healthcare executive serving as Vice President of Customer Operations at Delta Dental Insurance of California, where she leads national customer operations and federal government programs. Since beginning her healthcare insurance career in 2009, she has held leadership roles across both public and private-sector organizations, including the California Department of Health Care Services, Premier Access Insurance Company, Guardian Life, and Wellfit. Her expertise centers on operational and enterprise transformation, healthcare strategy, compliance, and modernizing service delivery to create more connected, customer-focused experiences.
Throughout her career, Alisha has led large-scale initiatives designed to strengthen operational excellence, improve performance, and build high-performing teams. She is passionate about transforming customer operations from transactional service models into proactive, care-centered experiences that improve access, elevate customer satisfaction, and advance health equity. Her leadership reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, integrity, and compassion. She has also been recognized among the Top 50 Women Leaders of Sacramento for 2026 by Women We Admire.
Alisha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. She is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and has completed executive education in Leading Strategic Growth through Columbia Business School. Outside of her professional work, Alisha is a devoted wife and mother who values family and enjoys traveling and dirt biking. She also supports the Keaton Child Cancer Alliance, reflecting her commitment to giving back and making a positive difference in the community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am also grateful for being raised by a supportive family and for having a wonderful husband who has been an important part of my journey. Together, these relationships have helped me build a fulfilling, healthy, and happy life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received from my parents was to outwork everyone. They taught my sister and me that dedication, consistency, and a strong work ethic can take you far, even when others may have more connections, experience, or natural advantages. I have carried that mindset throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay curious and always be willing to learn. Much of my career has been shaped by my willingness to ask questions, embrace new experiences, and learn from others. Approaching every room with curiosity also takes away the pressure to have all the answers and creates opportunities for continued growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe the insurance industry is at an important turning point as we rethink what value means for customers—not just in terms of benefits, but also the overall experience. While navigating a highly regulated environment can be challenging, it also creates opportunities to innovate, leverage AI, and bring customer-focused expertise into the industry. I also see an opportunity to better understand and influence regulations while helping shape the future of insurance.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are faith, family, integrity, and excellence. I strive to stay grounded in God and my purpose, maintain gratitude and a positive attitude, and always put my family first. I believe in doing what I say I will do, even when no one is watching, and holding myself and others to a high standard. At the same time, I believe excellence should always be balanced with compassion.
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