Samah Hamam
Samah Fawaz Hamam is a respected leader at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan with more than 18 years of experience spanning operations, quality, compliance, and development. She currently serves as a Grievance and Appeals Team Lead II and holds volunteer leadership roles as Board Chair and Associate Director for the Leadership Development Association. She most recently completed a successful term as President for the Leadership Development Association, a chapter under the National Management Association.
Samah’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to leadership development, mentoring, and advancing diversity and inclusion. She believes leadership is defined by influence, service, and consistency rather than title. Much of her leadership experience has been earned through volunteer roles, including leading employee resource networks, organizing enterprise wide leadership events and mixers, and creating inclusive learning opportunities that build clear pathways for others to lead.
In addition to her professional leadership work, Samah is an American Heart Association instructor who teaches CPR and First Aid. She finds it incredibly important to equip others with the skills and confidence needed to save lives, viewing education and preparedness as powerful forms of service to the community.
At the core of her approach is a strong belief in giving back and cultivating environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. In recognition of her impact, Samah is a recipient of the Leadership Development Association’s 2025 Leader of the Year award. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a 4.0 GPA and remains actively engaged in professional organizations focused on leadership excellence and inclusion.
Known for her ability to simplify complex systems, build high performing teams, and lead with authenticity, Samah continues to leave a lasting impression through leadership that is steady, human, and meaningful.
• Siena Heights University- M.A.
• Leadership Development Association’s Leader of the Year Award
• ERN
• Leadership Development Association
• National Management Association
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Key Club
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong commitment to leadership development, mentoring, and diversity and inclusion. I believe in giving back, creating pathways for others to lead, and understanding that leadership is rooted in influence, service, and action rather than a formal title.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to focus on impact, not titles. Titles come and go, but the value you bring, the problems you solve, and the people you uplift are what truly make a difference.
Never underestimate the impact of showing up with purpose. When you stay true to your values and serve others well, success follows in ways you can’t always plan. I was taught that growth begins the moment you stop waiting for permission and start believing in your ability to make a difference.
Always lead with your heart, work with integrity, and remember that success is measured by the lives you touch.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering healthcare insurance to take risks, speak openly about their ambitions, advocate for themselves, and step outside their comfort zones. Those moments of courage are often what open the doors to growth, leadership, and meaningful opportunity.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in healthcare insurance right now is navigating rapid change with technology, regulations, and rising expectations while still keeping people at the center of every decision. At the same time, this creates a powerful opportunity to innovate, improve processes, and design systems that are more equitable, efficient, and patient-focused.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, empathy, and purpose guide everything I do. I believe in honesty and accountability in my work, compassion and respect in my relationships, and staying grounded in what truly matters family, service, growth, and making a positive impact on others.