Midwest Business Group on Health Names Cheryl Larson New President and CEO
CHICAGO – Sept. 19, 2017 – The board of the non-profit Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH), one of the nation's leading business groups of private and public employers, has appointed Cheryl Larson as incoming President and CEO. Currently Vice President, the long-time MBGH executive will replace exiting President and CEO Larry Boress at the end of the year.
“When it comes to the health and well-being of their employees, employers continue to face great challenges and Cheryl’s deep understanding of key health benefit issues makes her the ideal person to lead the organization,” said Thomas Sondergeld, Vice President Global Benefits & Mobility, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and MBGH Board Chair. “She is a passionate advocate for HR and benefit professionals and well suited to support the unique needs of today’s employer. We also thank Larry for his 26 years of service to MBGH and his leadership over the last 12 years as President and CEO.”
Larson currently leads MBGH’s educational and networking activities and oversees several major employer research projects including the National Employer Initiative on Specialty Drugs. She has worked for MBGH for a total of 24 years, joining the coalition in 1983 until 1996 when she served as Director of Membership Development and returning in 2006 after working for a population health management firm. Cheryl is a nationally-recognized speaker on employer best practices in managing specialty drugs, value-based benefit designs and use of incentives, wellness/wellbeing, consumerism and engagement, and benefit communications. She currently serves as a member of the Advisory Council of the Center for Employee Health Studies at the University of Illinois/Chicago School of Public Health and the Task Force on Low-Value Care for VBID Health.
“I am honored to continue our legacy as one of the most highly respected and active coalitions in the country,” said Larson. “I look forward to working closely with the MBGH board and members to inspire employers to be more effective purchasers of health care and find innovative solutions focused on quality, safety, supplier accountability and lower costs.”
Per the transition plan in place, Cheryl will take on the role of President and CEO effective January 1, 2018. Larry will continue as Executive Director of the National Association of Worksite Health Centers (NAWHC).
About the Midwest Business Group on Health
MBGH is one of the nation’s leading non-profit employer coalitions of 130 mid, large and jumbo self- funded public and private employers, representing over 4 million lives and annually spending over $4 billion on health care. Members consist of leading health benefit professionals, with activities focused on education, research, benchmarking and community-based initiatives that increase the value of health benefits and health care services. MBGH is a founding member of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (formerly the National Business Coalition on Health/NBCH). www.mbgh.org
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