Woleske Retires: A Legacy of Leadership and Expansion at Bellin Health
Company - People | Jun 30, 2025 | EIN
Chris Woleske, CEO of Bellin Health, is retiring after a distinguished 27-year tenure marked by significant milestones including the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, expansion of healthcare facilities, embracing technological advancements like telemedicine, and overseeing a merger with Gundersen Health that led to the creation of Emplify Health. Having taken on the CEO role succeeding George Kerwin, Woleske's transformative leadership involved significant expansions and facilitated a merger that resulted in a $2.4 billion healthcare provider offering comprehensive services across multiple states. Her legacy includes strong community involvement and a commitment to making healthcare accessible. Post-retirement, Woleske plans to remain active in community services while interim leadership is managed by Emplify's CEO, Scott Rathgaber.
Sectors
- Healthcare
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Geography
- United States – Bellin Health and Gundersen Health are based in Wisconsin, USA, and their operations primarily impact the Midwest region.
Industry
- Healthcare – The article discusses significant events within Bellin Health and its merger with Gundersen Health, encapsulating aspects of healthcare service expansion and management.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The merger between Bellin Health and Gundersen Health to form Emplify Health is a key focus of the article.
Financials
- $2.4 billion – The valuation of the healthcare provider formed by the merger of Bellin Health and Gundersen Health.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Woleske | Retiring CEO of Bellin Health | People | Led Bellin Health through significant transformations including the COVID-19 pandemic and a merger with Gundersen Health. |
| Bellin Health | Healthcare Provider | Company | A regional healthcare provider that merged with Gundersen Health to form Emplify Health. |
| Gundersen Health | Partner in Merger | Company | Merged with Bellin Health to form Emplify Health. |
| Emplify Health | Merged Entity | Company | Newly formed healthcare system resulting from the merger of Bellin and Gundersen Health. |
| Scott Rathgaber | CEO of Emplify Health and Interim Bellin Region President | People | Overseeing Bellin's transition post-Woleske's retirement. |