At The Cigna Group, our mission is to improve the health and vitality of everyone we serve, and our employees work hard to bring that mission to life – in and out of the workplace.

Shanea McKinney, a doctor of pharmacy, is a clinical account manager who has dedicated her career to making a profound impact in the health care and educational sectors. At Cigna Healthcare, her work centers on enhancing health care access, education, and equity, embodying a commitment to vitality and excellence. She also serves on the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy and the Board of Trustees for the University of Tennessee.

As part of our “Employees on a Mission” series, we sat down with McKinney to learn about the impactful work she is doing to improve access to higher education and to help shape policies that benefit patients and the health care system as a whole.

What is your role at The Cigna Group?

I’m in pharmacy sales and account management, serving as a clinical account manager, primarily for fully integrated clients that utilize our medical, pharmacy, and behavioral health benefits. We help clients understand costs and trends, typically in the pharmacy space, and help them understand how pharmacy can impact their total medical costs. 

You also serve on two governing boards. Can you describe those responsibilities?

I was appointed to the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy in 2021 by Governor Bill Lee. I am a lifelong Tennessean, originally from Knoxville, now living in Memphis. This appointment means a great deal to me because I’m the first person of color to serve on the board in its 130-year history. It’s a significant honor and a privilege to serve in that capacity.

Then, in 2022, I was also appointed to the Board of Trustees for the University of Tennessee, which oversees the educational and operational activities of the statewide University system. We ensure access to higher education for all Tennesseans and protect the reputation and strategic direction of the University of Tennessee system.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in higher education today?

One major challenge is equity and access to higher education. The University of Tennessee system is actively working to combat this issue. We offer automatic admission to students in the top 10% of their high school class or those with a certain GPA and SAT scores. Additionally, through the UT Promise program, we ensure that any unmet financial needs are covered, so there are no cost barriers to attending our schools.

Can you also tell us about your work on the Board of Pharmacy?

The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy licenses and credentials all pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists in the state, as well as pharmacies and wholesalers. The board is responsible for ensuring pharmacy professionals meet state standards and operate within our board’s rules and statutes. We also make difficult decisions regarding the licensure of individuals who may have violated professional standards. This responsibility is crucial for maintaining public health and safety.
(Pictured right: McKinney at a University of Tennessee board meeting)

How does your work at The Cigna Group relate to your roles on these boards?

At Cigna, I strive to always consider how best to serve our clients and customers. This perspective is invaluable on the Board of Pharmacy, where we discuss legislation that impacts pharmacy practice. I bring insights from my experience here at Cigna to help shape policies that benefit both the health care system and patients. Similarly, on the University of Tennessee board, I think about how we can prepare graduates to be top talent for organizations like Cigna. It is our duty to ensure that we’re providing the best education and training for our students.

Do you feel connected to The Cigna Group’s mission to improve the health and vitality of those we serve?

I love our mission of improving vitality for those that we serve because it encompasses total well-being. At Cigna, we help our customers access the right medication, provider, and place of care, which supports their overall health. Similarly, in my board work, I strive to ensure that we’re fostering the next generation of health care professionals who can continue this mission. Vitality is about being present and ready for any opportunity to make a positive impact, and that’s what I aim to do every day.