The Michigan Health Endowment Fund earlier this week voted to approve the appointment of Paul Hillegonds as its Chief Executive Officer. The Fund was created through the passage of Public Act 4 of 2013, which authorized certain changes to how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) operates in the state. The law requires BCBSM to contribute up to $1.56 billion over 18 years to the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. 

"Creating the Michigan Health Endowment Fund was a priority for me because of the positive impacts I knew it would have on the lives of Michigan residents," said Governor Rick Snyder. "The appointment of Paul Hillegonds as Chief Executive Officer marks yet another significant step in these efforts, and I'm confident that Paul's leadership and experience will carry forth the work of the board to improve health outcomes for children and older adults in Michigan." 

The mission of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund is to improve the health of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of health care with special emphasis on the health and wellness of children and seniors. 

"The Board of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund believes that the Fund can be a game changer for citizen's health. We knew we needed a leader who shares our big vision and has a proven track record of accomplishment," said Rob Fowler, Chairman of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. "We are excited to bring Paul's experience, vision and deep understanding of the state of Michigan into the CEO position at the Health Endowment Fund." 

With the hiring of Hillegonds, the board will continue to develop its comprehensive grantmaking strategy to build upon the success of its 2014 pilot funding efforts. The Michigan Health Endowment Fund awarded a total of $38.14 million in grant awards in its first year of operation. Hillegonds will ensure the execution of a strategic plan to further the goals and vision of the fund as well as oversee the daily internal operations of the fund. 

"In partnership with public, private and other non-profit organizations, the MHEF will make an enormous contribution to the health and wellness of Michigan children and seniors for years to come,” said Hillegonds. “The board has placed the foundation on firm footing. I am grateful for the invitation to work with the directors and staff team toward realizing the MHEF's full potential." 

A graduate of The University of Michigan and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Hillegonds served as Chief of Staff to Upper Peninsula U.S. Congressman Phillip Ruppe in the 1970's. From 1979 to 1996, he represented a West Michigan district in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he also served as Republican Leader, Co-Speaker and Speaker of the House. In 1997, he became CEO of Detroit Renaissance, a policy and economic development organization of Southeast Michigan corporate CEO's. From 2005 until his retirement in 2014, he was the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at DTE Energy. He currently serves as board chair of the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan and trustee on the boards of the Kresge Foundation and Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. Hillegonds and his wife Nancy are the parents of two children, Sarah and Michael, and reside in Plymouth. 

Hillegonds will begin serving as CEO of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund on March 16, 2015.

Members of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund are Lynn Alexander, Tim Damschroder, Cindy Estrada, Rob Fowler, Sue Jandernoa, Jim Murray, Keith Pretty, Marge Robinson, and Michael Williams.

Visit www.healthendowmentfund.org for more information about the Fund.