Rebekah Elgin Council exemplifies home-grown roots that run deep.
She has a steadfast commitment to the state and unwavering compassion to serve at “The Caring Company” for almost three decades.
With a 28-year (and counting) career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Elgin Council’s corporate success isn’t the only thing that lands her on our Woman of Impact list. In addition to her senior level position as vice president and chief marketing officer, Elgin Council is making a well-rounded impact among Alabama business, education, and performing art communities.
“As a first-generation college graduate, I have a passion for education and the development of individuals,” she said. “I am very involved in the University of Alabama through the College of Arts and Science Leadership Board and the Board of Visitors for the Culverhouse School of Business.
“The University of Alabama allowed me not only to obtain a degree, but to be exposed to the arts, travel, and many leadership development opportunities that benefitted me as I began my career.”
She said it was through the university that her career path was made.
“I was led to Blue Cross from the university’s career center, so I think it is important to pay it forward,” Elgin Council said. “I have also had the honor to serve our community through working with the Alys Stephens Center, the United Way of Central Alabama, the Junior League of Birmingham, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, and many others.
“Serving and supporting my community are both important to me personally and reinforced in our company’s culture. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with so many great organizations serving our community and our state.”
A career of service was the original attraction to BCBS when she started in 1994.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has always had a reputation as a great place to work due to their focus on their customers and their employees,” Elgin Council said. “I have stayed for 28 years due to the customer-focused, service environment.
“We call ourselves ‘The Caring Company,’ because we have a passion for service that focuses on our customers, our associates, and the local Alabama communities in which we live and work.”
As a leader, Elgin Council said she attributes many of her lessons learned to her surrounding team, leaders, and friends who not only support her, but challenge her.
“I think that continued education and development is essential,” she said. “You never get too old or experienced to learn or begin to think differently and improve your skills.”
In the same thread, a source of inspiration for Elgin Council has always been the people around her.
She said her parents, Sam and Jeanette Elgin, taught her “the importance of honesty, hard work, perseverance, kindness and generosity.”
Of Bryan Council, her husband of 22 years, she cites “his loving support and dedication to our family is inspiring.”
“These three people make me want to be a better person and I want to make them proud.”
When asked what’s next, Elgin Council’s response couldn’t have been truer to her character.
“It can’t get much better than this,” she said. “I am blessed to be able to work for a great company and to be able to work with an amazing team to serve our customers and our community.”
