About

WPS Health Solutions Thought Leaders


WPS Health Solutions supports open dialogues about a variety of topics related to health insurance, health care, business, and other topics. Media representatives looking for an expert or thought leader on a certain topic can send us a note at public.relations@wpsic.com. Our team will connect you with the subject matter expert you need.

Contact Information


Urgent inquiries can be directed to:


Biographies

Rob Palmer

Senior Vice President of Government Relations
Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force

Rob has expertise in state and federal legislative affairs and military beneficiaries. With a background in government relations that spans two decades, Rob’s experience includes executive roles for three employer trade associations and staff positions for two members of Congress.


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Robert E. Kettler, M.D.

Medical Director, Government Health Administrators (GHA)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

Dr. Kettler is a board-certified anesthesiologist with 30 years of experience in clinical anesthesiology and pain management. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and as President of the Wisconsin Society of Anesthesiologists gaining experience in health care policy. His expertise includes applying Medicare policy for Medicare beneficiaries.


Topics

  • Medicare policy
  • Anesthesiology, pain management
  • Opioid use

 

  • History of medicine and anesthesiology
  • Depression screening


Jihan Bekiri

Vice President, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) and Practitioner (CDP)

Jihan has expertise in strategic communications, change management, and policy development at the state and federal government level. Currently, she leads the WPS enterprise DEI strategy aimed at making diversity, equity, and inclusion a part of our systems, behaviors, and how we work every day. Her focus at WPS is to realize the DEI strategy through an inclusive environment that empowers all employees by removing barriers that result in an agile, performance-based culture. She is multilingual – fluent in Albanian and Turkish.


Topics

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (e.g., strategic and programmatic interventions focused on DEI in education, financial, health care)
  • Strategic communications and change management
  • Employee resource groups/affinity groups/business resource groups

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Mary Iqbal

Agile Transformation Manager
Professional Scrum Trainer (PST)

Mary’s expertise is in teaching and applying the principles of scrum and agile in the software development and product management environment.


 

  • Product development
  • Product management

Aaron Verdell Call

Chief Information Security Officer
Juris Doctorate (JD), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Aaron brings years of experience leading government and private sector security programs to WPS. He leverages experience in law, law enforcement, and technology to advance our mission and protect those we serve. Aaron draws on his diverse background to develop a security program that weaves into the fabric of the organization, ensuring that security is part of everything WPS does and not just an afterthought or extra expense.


Topics

  • Cyber security operations
  • Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
  • Security program development
  • Organizational security and resilience integration
  • COVID-19 response

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Timothy La Sage

Senior Military and Veteran Inclusion Lead and Advisor
First Sergeant, USMC (Ret.)

Tim’s expertise is in veteran advocacy. He leads the effort to improve the recruitment and retention of veterans at WPS, and subsequently build a more diverse workplace. As a 22-year decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Tim is involved in many charitable, legislative, and human resources efforts supporting veterans in the community and the workplace.


Topics

  • Workplace veteran hiring initiatives
  • Veteran advocacy
  • Workplace employee affinity groups/employee resource groups

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Matthew Nash

Vice President, Venture Studio, KAIROS
Member IEEE and ACM

Matt is a software engineer leader whose expertise is centered in automation technology, machine learning and AI, Agile product development, and process improvement.


Topics

  • Agile and product governance
  • Process improvement
  • Machine learning and AI

 

  • Automation and desktop robotics
  • Software engineering
  • Solution architecture


Sandi Gardner

Chief Technology Officer

Sandi’s field of expertise is in technology supporting the health care industry. As the Chief Technology Officer, Sandi leads a team of more than 400 people responsible for the management and administration of WPS’ technology infrastructure and continued modernization of technology platforms. She is a passionate leader and advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers for young women who have an uphill climb in a rewarding career in information and technology.


Topics

  • STEM for women advocacy
  • Health care IT infrastructure
  • Technology modernization

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