Physician. Leader. Steward.

For as long as he can remember, Dr. Martin "Marty" Stallone has held two unwavering truths: he wanted to be a physician, and he wanted to serve his country. Both were anchored by clear purpose.

At age 13, during recovery from routine orthopedic surgery, he recognized that his passions didn’t always mirror those of peers who spent much of their time playing video games. To thrive, he needed both physical activity and mental rigor—an early awareness that would shape the trajectory of his life. Growing up near the United States Military Academy at West Point and inspired by his grandfather, a World War II veteran, Dr. Stallone was surrounded by examples of service, discipline, and purpose.

That sense of direction was reinforced at home. His parents supported him at every step, instilling the values that would guide him forward. Today, he credits his wife and six children as his “team.” “Nothing I’ve done has been solo,” he says, “and they are always by my side.”

Dr. Stallone pursued both callings through Cornell University’s Air Force ROTC program, earning his Bachelor of Science and beginning a lifelong commitment to service. He went on to earn both an MD and MBA simultaneously from the University of Pennsylvania, and later an MA in National Security Policy Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He also serves as an Air Force Colonel and has been with the New York Air National Guard for more than 28 years, the past seven as the New York State Air Surgeon. These accomplishments reflect a career built on discipline, leadership, and a breadth of perspective informed by medicine, business, and service.

Building Expertise on the Front Lines

As his career evolved, Dr. Stallone stepped into health system leadership roles, including serving as a hospitalist, physician leader, and former health system CEO, gaining a broader view of how care is delivered and where it often breaks down. He saw firsthand the pressures facing providers, the operational realities behind clinical decisions, and the importance of aligning strategy with real-world practice.

That philosophy continues to guide him: collaboration is essential, and understanding the system from every angle is key to improving outcomes.

Joining Excellus BCBS

That belief drew him to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) well before his executive appointment. Through his involvement on the plan’s Central New York and Southern Tier regional advisory boards and governing board of directors, Dr. Stallone developed a deeper understanding of the organization’s nonprofit mission and its commitment to community-focused care. Just as important, he learned the value of listening. “You have to understand providers, the community, payors, and the people doing the work,” he says. “That’s how you design programs that actually make a difference.”

On December 1, 2025, Dr. Stallone joined Excellus BCBS as Executive Vice President and Chief Healthcare Services Officer, bringing a rare blend of clinical insight, operational expertise, and mission-driven leadership to the executive team. In his new role, he is focused on shaping healthcare delivery strategies across the organization— including clinical quality initiatives, data-informed programs, and pharmacy management—with the goal of supporting providers and improving outcomes for members.

Vision for Partnership and Innovation

At the core of his vision is partnership. Drawing on his experience as both a physician and a former health system CEO, Dr. Stallone sees collaboration as the most effective path forward in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. He designs practical, sustainable, and impactful programs by grounding his strategy in the real challenges facing the healthcare system, including rising costs.

His approach focuses on solutions – including care coordination, clinical quality initiatives, and innovative pharmacy programs – that make a measurable difference in care while balancing access, affordability, and effectiveness.

Rooted in the Community

Equally central to his leadership is a strong sense of local responsibility. Excellus BCBS’s nonprofit mission— providing high-quality local health care that’s as accessible and affordable as possible—resonates personally. “Our employees are helping support the health of family, friends, and neighbors,” he says. “That connection matters.” For Stallone, impact is greatest when everyone involved in care understands and engages with the communities they serve.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Stallone envisions Excellus BCBS as a bridge-builder, bringing together providers, health systems, and community partners to solve problems collaboratively. His focus is on creating pathways that strengthen relationships, improve coordination, and deliver measurable improvements in care—all while staying true to the organization’s mission.

From a determined child recovering from surgery to a physician, military leader, and now healthcare executive, Dr. Martin Stallone’s journey reflects a lifetime shaped by curiosity, commitment, and collaboration. Those same principles now guide his work at Excellus BCBS as he looks to the future with a clear goal: building a healthcare system that supports members, engages communities, and collaborates with providers.

Contact:
Lynn Wesley Burton lynn.wesley@excellus.com