Kingsley Gobourne Named GHC-SCW Chief Equity and Engagement Officer

Madison, WI – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is pleased to welcome Kingsley Gobourne, MSOD, IICDP, to the Cooperative as Chief Equity and Engagement Officer.

Most recently, Gobourne was Senior Consultant Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at UnityPoint Health (UPH). In his role, Gobourne led all DEI efforts and developed UPH’s first Diversity Council with representation from nine different hospital regions located across three states. Most notably, he began work on a multi-partner initiative in Iowa to develop a nursing pathways program, the first of its kind in the state.

Gobourne has also done extensive work with senior leadership teams and boards on topics of equity and belonging, which includes training, education, and developing strategic plans and frameworks for health care system leaders.

“We are thrilled to have Kingsley join our GHC-SCW senior leadership team. He is the first Chief Equity and Engagement Officer in the history of our organization,” said Dr. Mark Huth, GHC-SCW President and Chief Executive Officer. “Kingsley brings tremendous talent, knowledge, passion and experience to this critical work in diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Dr. Huth adds, “Kingsley will focus both internally and externally on our performance as an employer to over 800 employees and in our work to provide health care and insurance to over 75,000 members. Kingsley has developed meaningful relationships with many area leaders that will help us deepen our collaborative partnerships and work with individuals and organizations who are also focused on creating a more inclusive and equitable world.”

In his role, Gobourne will develop, implement and lead initiatives as part of GHC-SCW’s robust program focused on DEI strategies that break down barriers, promote advancement and sustain equity-minded institutional change.

“I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead this newly created division at GHC-SCW,” said Gobourne. “It is an intentional act to foster a feeling of belonging – a feeling all of us want and deserve – making it a critical component of successful DEI efforts. Cultivating an environment of belonging and addressing health equity are among GHC-SCW’s top priorities, and I am honored to play a leading role.”

Gobourne received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Edgewood College. In addition to his extensive experience in DEI, he has worked in banking and finance. Gobourne is a certified diversity practitioner through The People Company Inclusion Institute. He proudly gives his time and talent to the following nonprofits: YWCA Madison, Board Member; Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, Board Member; United Way of Dane County, Personnel Committee; UW-Madison Department of Sociology, Board of Visitors; and Community Development Authority Village of Mount Horeb, Co-Chair.

About GHC-SCW

Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is a nonprofit health plan that cares for more than 75,000 members. The Cooperative serves the greater Dane County area and the South Central Wisconsin region with insurance and clinical services. GHC-SCW is the first health plan in Wisconsin to offer patients a money-back guarantee if they are not satisfied with their experience at a GHC-SCW clinic. GHC-SCW is perennially a national leader for quality, achieving the highest possible rating of 5 out of 5 nationally in 2019 and was the number one rated private plan in Wisconsin from 2006–2020 according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). 

Media Contact

Kate McLaughlin
Marketing and Communications Manager
Phone: 608-251-4156 Ext. 4453
kmclaughlin@ghcscw.com

WPS Charitable Foundation helps raise money for Wayne D. Horner Memorial Stand Down Madison

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Charitable Foundation helps raise money for Wayne D. Horner Memorial Stand Down Madison

MADISON, Wis.—Aug. 10, 2021—WPS Charitable Foundation is a Diamond-level sponsor and the hole-in-one sponsor for Stand Down Madison’s inaugural golf outing on Saturday, Aug. 14. The fundraising event takes place at Bridges Golf Course, 2702 Shopko Drive, Madison. Shotgun start is at 9 a.m.

“Stand Down Madison’s mission to provide relief to veterans experiencing homelessness and its success is dependent upon its relationships with community partners,” Angie Nickels, President of Stand Down Madison, said. “We are grateful for the continued support of WPS Health Solutions.”

The funds raised at this event will help provide relief to Wisconsin’s veterans who are experiencing homelessness. There is still time to sign up to participate in the Stand Down Madison golf tournament.

• Register a golf team at standdownmadison.org/golf-outing-sign-up-form
• Sign up to be a golf event volunteer at: standdownmadison.org/golf-outing-volunteer-form

“At WPS, we seek to partner with organizations that have a strong affinity to our mission of helping veterans get needed health care,” said Scott Kowalski, WPS’ Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications. “Stand Down Madison’s compassionate care of veterans experiencing homelessness is a cause we are proud to support.”

The main Stand Down Madison event is Oct. 9, 2021. Vendors can register online at standdownmadison.org/become-a-vendor. Volunteers can sign up to help at standdownmadison.org/volunteer.

About WPS Health Solutions

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world.

WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 3,100 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits.

About the WPS Charitable Foundation

The WPS Charitable Foundation was formed in 1986 to honor WPS’ first president, Ray Koenig. The Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization separate from WPS Health Solutions and its subsidiaries.

Photo caption:
WPS Charitable Foundation presents a $5,000 check to Stand Down Madison. Pictured (l. to r.) are: Scott Kowalski, WPS Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications, and Stand Down Madison representatives Angie Nickels, President, Angie Chesna, Vice President, Sheila Frye, Secretary, and Ted Bendler, Treasurer.

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Brooklyn Hilton Promoted to Account Executive at M3

Brooklyn Hilton has been promoted to account executive at M3 Insurance. Specializing in construction and real estate, Hilton builds comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions and evaluates contractual risk transfer provisions to protect clients from unforeseen loss or liability.

Hilton first joined M3 as a summer intern in 2017 and moved to a full-time position in the M3You Program after graduating from Illinois State University in 2018. She most recently worked as an account manager in the senior living and social services industry practice group.

Throughout her time with M3, Hilton has grown her insurance knowledge and sales acumen through internal partnerships and external educational opportunities. She is currently pursuing her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations.

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About M3

M3 is a top insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work.

WPS Health Solutions recognized as one of Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces®

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Solutions recognized as one of Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces^®

MADISON, Wis.—Aug. 5, 2021—WPS Health Solutions has been recognized as one of the recipients of the 2021 Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces^® Awards. This annual award recognizes top employers that display leadership and innovation in engaging their workplaces.

“The COVID-19 pandemic presented a myriad of challenges for businesses and their workforce. But these unprecedented times also offered an opportunity for organizations to support their people. Companies that prioritized employee experience, recognition and employee voice have seen increased productivity, higher employee engagement and stronger loyalty,” said Jeff Cates, CEO and president at Achievers. “This year’s 50 Most Engaged winners embody what it means to be a ‘people-first’ business and have proven how the prioritization of employee experience can help an organization withstand even the most difficult of times.”

A panel of 15 judges comprised of employee engagement academics, industry analysts, thought leaders, journalists and influencers evaluated the applicants. Winners were selected based on Achievers’ Eight Elements of Employee Engagement^®: Accountability & Performance; Belonging, Equity & Inclusion; Culture Alignment; Manager Empowerment; Professional & Personal Growth; Purpose & Leadership; Recognition & Rewards; and Well-being.

“Being recognized for this award is meaningful because it symbolizes the progress we’ve made in our culture journey and inspires us to continue our focus on creating an exceptional employee experience at WPS,” said Moira Klos, Human Resources Senior Vice President.

For more information about Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces, visit achievers.com/engaged. Follow the conversations on Twitter at @Achievers or use the hashtag #Achievers50.

About Achievers

Achievers’ employee voice and recognition solutions bring your organization’s values and strategy to life by activating employee participation and accelerating a culture of performance. Achievers leverages the science behind behavior change, so your people and your organization can experience sustainable, data-driven business results. Visit us at www.achievers.com.

About WPS Health Solutions

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation uses “WPS Health Solutions” to refer to its entire enterprise. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions, including WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. WPS Government Health Administrators manages Medicare Part A and Part B benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and WPS Military and Veterans Health serves millions of members of the U.S. military and their families through TRICARE programs. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation has more than 3,100 employees and has been based in Wisconsin for 75 years. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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Wisconsin Bank & Trust Announces Key Leadership Changes and Additions; Doug Kohlbeck Named President

For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Shawn Kesler
Vice President Marketing
414.394.5946
SKesler@htlf.com

WISCONSIN BANK & TRUST ANNOUNCES KEY LEADERSHIP CHANGES AND ADDITIONS; DOUG KOHLBECK NAMED PRESIDENT

August 4, 2021 — MADISON, WI — Wisconsin Bank & Trust (WBT), a member of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTLF) that operates under the brand name HTLF, has announced several key leadership changes and additions to the team as Doug Kohlbeck is named President and John Hintze has been hired as Senior Vice President, Director of Middle Market.

Doug Kohlbeck has been promoted to President of WBT and will serve on the bank’s Board of Directors.  Kohlbeck joined WBT in July of 2020 as EVP of Commercial Banking. This promotion reflects his hands-on leadership and as president, Doug will continue to strategically align the commercial team for growth and help WBT grow across the state. Doug has served as a leader in the commercial and business banking space for over 25 years at various financial institutions.

“We are fortunate to have Doug Kohlbeck take over as President at Wisconsin Bank & Trust,” said Steve Ward, CEO of Wisconsin Bank & Trust.  “Doug has an unwavering commitment to serving customers and dedication to community involvement. His customer-focused leadership approach makes him perfectly suited to lead Wisconsin Bank & Trust into the future,” Ward concluded.

WBT has also added key talent with John Hintze joining the organization. John brings over 20 years of commercial banking experience and will serve as the Senior Vice President, Director of Wisconsin Middle Market, assisting middle market companies with their growth objectives.

John most recently served as the Senior Vice President in Middle Market Banking at U.S. Bank in Madison.  He is a UW-Green Bay graduate and currently serves on various boards in the Madison area including the Madison Children’s Museum, American Heart Association and Capital Off-Road Pathfinders.  John also serves on the board of directors for My Choice Wisconsin located in Milwaukee.

“John is a very experienced commercial banker with a demonstrated and proven track record in the banking industry,” said Doug Kohlbeck, President, Wisconsin Bank & Trust. “We’re excited to continue to expand our commercial banking team in Wisconsin as John brings deep industry knowledge and a skillset that matches our core strategy to bring meaningful tangible value to our clients that is even more important today given the rapidly changing business environment.”

WBT is a member bank of HTLF, an $18 billion holding company with locations in 12 states. HTLF’s strength and resources match those of regional and national banks, but with strong local leadership and local decision making.  WBT offers advanced lending, treasury and payment solutions, retirement planning services and more, including high touch private banking with advanced technology offerings.

About Wisconsin Bank & Trust

Wisconsin Bank & Trust (WBT), a subsidiary of Heartland Financial USA, Inc., (NASDAQ: HTLF), is a business-focused community bank with assets of more than $1.2 billion. With 13 banking centers and one loan processing office, Wisconsin Bank & Trust serves customers in the Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Sheboygan, Monroe and southwest areas of Wisconsin. WBT offers a wide range of personal and business banking, private client and mortgage lending services. For more information, visit   or call 608.203.1214. Wisconsin Bank & Trust is a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

About Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

Heartland Financial USA, Inc., operating under the brand name HTLF, is a financial services company with assets of approximately $18.4 billion. HTLF’s banks serve communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Texas and Wisconsin. HTLF is committed to its core commercial business, supported by a strong retail operation, and provides a diversified line of financial services including treasury management, residential mortgage, wealth management, investment and insurance. Additional information is available at htlf.com.

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