Wellpoint Care Network Announces Next President And CEO

Milwaukee, Wis., Feb. 4, 2025 – The Board of Directors of Wellpoint Care Network announced today that Reggie Newson will be the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Newson succeeds Ann Leinfelder Grove, who announced her plans to retire after decades of leadership at Wellpoint Care.

“Ann has made an immeasurable impact through her dedication to advancing Wellpoint Care’s strategic vision, and we will forever be grateful for her contributions to our community,” said James Madlom, Chair of Wellpoint Care Network’s Board of Directors. “Reggie’s deep commitment to Wellpoint Care’s mission, as well as his collaborative leadership style, broad community connections and track record of success in developing innovative solutions make him the ideal person to lead Wellpoint Care Network in its next great chapter.”

Newson most recently served as Chief Community Impact and Advocacy Officer at Ascension Wisconsin, where he improved healthcare access for vulnerable populations, spearheading public policy initiatives that led to significant cost savings for the organization. Newson held multiple roles during nearly a decade of service with Ascension Wisconsin, including serving as Vice President of Community Impact, managing a community investment fund and expanding programs like Smart Smiles, which benefits 15,000+ students annually and has helped reduce school absenteeism by 12% year-over-year. In his role as President of the Ascension Foundation of Wisconsin, Newson demonstrated his ability to unify teams, double donations, and oversee assets.

Newson has a rich history of community impact through high-profile roles in the public and private sectors. He previously served as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and in key roles with WE Energies and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Newson earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Political Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus in corporate communications from Concordia University-Wisconsin. He has certificates in Project Management and Six-Sigma Black Belt and non-profit leadership experience from leading institutions such as Duke University and the National Urban League.

“I am very excited to welcome Reggie as CEO,” said Ann Leinfelder Grove, retiring President and CEO of Wellpoint Care Network. “I look forward to the expertise, partnerships and leadership approach he will bring that honors and expands our commitment to serve the community.”

Newson enters his role at a time when the organization is on a steady trajectory of growth and innovation, as its unique approach to Trauma Informed Care and its Seven Essential Ingredients continues to impact individuals and activities across all services. Leveraging his strong relationships, Newson will ensure this momentum continues to build through his passion for creating opportunity, strengthening communities and enriching lives.

“I am humbled to be trusted with the responsibility of leading a team as influential and important to our community as Wellpoint Care Network,” said Reggie Newson, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Wellpoint Care Network. “I look forward to continuing the organization’s mission of empowering children and families to thrive.”

About Wellpoint Care Network
Wellpoint Care Network is a community-facing human services organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a national leader in recognizing and addressing the impact of trauma, Wellpoint Care has been caring for children for more than 170 years. Championing families, Wellpoint Care offers a comprehensive array of prevention, intervention and crisis resources to facilitate equity, learning, healing and wellness by restoring the connections that help children and families thrive. Learn more at https://wellpointcare.org/.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.