By KHI News Service

TOPEKA — Jeff Gragg recently joined Topeka-based Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas as vice president of information services and chief information officer (CIO).
In his new role, Gragg oversees the company’s technology division, which encompasses computer information systems and training, voice/data communications, duplicating and mailing services, disaster and workplace recovery, audit compliance and project management.

Gragg has 33 years of systems and technology experience in a variety of industries. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of information technology and CIO for Hostess Brands, Kansas City, Mo. He previously served as CIO and senior vice president of e-commerce and demand planning for Carhartt Corporation, Dearborn, Mich.; executive director of solutions delivery and director of IT retail channels for Hallmark Cards Corporation, Kansas City, Mo.; and director of merchandising systems for Payless ShoeSource Inc., Topeka.

In addition, as the owner of Wheat Plains Group Consulting he has consulted with several organizations on issues related to e-commerce, IT strategic planning, and large project justification and management.