Frank J. Montanaro will resign as board chairman of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island when his term ends April 30.

“My decision comes after a great deal of reflection,” Montanaro said in a statement Thursday from Blue Cross. “Having been on the board for many years, it’s my belief that BCBSRI has never been in better hands. I ask the remaining board members to continue the tradition of keeping BCBSRI an organization that takes the very best care of its members and the citizens of the state.”

Montanaro has been a board member since 1991. Before being elected chairman in 2004, he served as secretary of the corporation from 2002 to 2004.

Montanaro is the president of the state’s unit of the AFL-CIO union and a Democratic National Committeeman.

Montanaro “always has fought for the people of Rhode Island and their families,” said James E. Purcell, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross. “Thus, his legacy is not just the bottom line. It’s the human touch. I am so proud to have had Frank serve as chairman of the board.”

A new chairman will be in place when Montanaro’s term ends, Blue Cross & Blue Shield said.

— Projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney