After leading MedicAlert Foundation into a new era of innovation over the past five years, CEO Andrew Wigglesworth announced that he will be resigning from the Turlock-based international health information company.
Wigglesworth cited personal reasons for his decision to leave MedicAlert.
"I've done a lot to invest myself in Turlock personally, and enjoyed the town immensely. But all my family is on the East Coast," he said.
Wigglesworth said he informed MedicAlert Foundation's Board of Directors in early August of his intent to resign at the end of October and a search committee has already been working on finding a suitable replacement.
"I will continue to assist the foundation in whatever way is helpful and appropriate," he said.
Over the past few years, Wigglesworth has helped MedicAlert implement a number of new business practices including a completely upgraded computer system, new smartphone applications and a continuum of services for people with differing life and medical circumstances.
Along with the types of services offered, who MedicAlert serves is also changing. While once solely based on an individual membership, the foundation recently expanded its reach.
In 2012, MedicAlert partnered with the Department of Justice to launch an integrated information system with law enforcement databases and the foundation's Alzheimer's Safe Return program.
The foundation also launched a new service for employers. The service provides two primary services: medical care coordination and identification notification.
"We've changed business models, we installed a new world-class IT platform, changed pretty much all aspects of the organization," said Wigglesworth about his time at MedicAlert.
It's not just the business-side of MedicAlert that has changed, however.
"I'm very proud the foundation has reengaged in many aspects with the Turlock community in ways it hasn't in many years, whether it's the Health and Safety Fair or with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce," he said.
Wigglesworth has served on the Turlock Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors for the past four years and as board chair this year.
"I've been happy to be part of the community here," he said.
Wigglesworth said his next venture will be running a healthcare practice for a firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining MedicAlert, Wigglesworth served as a partner at TRG Healthcare, LLC., where he worked with hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare organizations on issues related to strategic planning, governance, policy development, financial solutions, crisis communications, government relations, operational improvement and new business development.
Wigglesworth served for 12 years as the CEO of the Delaware Valley Healthcare Council, representing more than 150 hospitals and health systems in the tri-state greater Philadelphia area. He also helped create and led the Health Care Improvement Foundation as one of the top five large scale collaboratives in the nation.
Wigglesworth worked to enhance the presence and business opportunities of eight leading hospitals in the international healthcare market as the founding CEO of the Philadelphia International Medicine LLC., and served as the Senior Vice President of the Maryland Hospital Association and top policy advisor to the Governor of Maryland for healthcare and health insurance policy issues.
