WEDI, the nation’s leading authority on the use of health IT to create efficiencies in healthcare information exchange, today announced that Charles W. Stellar, an executive leader with more than 35 years of experience in healthcare, association management and organizational leadership, has been named by the WEDI Board of Directors as WEDI’s interim president and CEO after the resignation of Devin Jopp, Ed.D. In this role, Stellar will be responsible for strategic leadership and guidance of the organization, its staff and committees until a more-permanent replacement is named.
Stellar joins WEDI from his recently retired position as executive vice president of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the trade association representing the nation’s health insurance industry, where he was the key liaison between AHIP’s 350 plan and 400 affiliate members, ensuring consistency in messaging and shaping AHIP’s membership strategy. At AHIP, Stellar’s extensive portfolio included overseeing member services related to positioning the association and its diverse membership to a variety of national, state and local audiences.
“We are honored that Charles has agreed to serve in this role and propel our organization forward during this transitional period,” said Jean Narcisi, chair of the WEDI board. “In addition to the close working relationships he shares with many of the member organizations on our board, he brings unparalleled domain experience in successfully bringing healthcare associations to national prominence. We expect he will continue our efforts to further WEDI’s role as a recognized leader and advocate for healthcare IT.”
Stellar also provided comments: “This year will be instrumental for WEDI as we continue to work closely with the industry to implement exciting new initiatives, drive awareness of healthcare’s ongoing challenges, and collectively improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare IT. I want to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated board, executive workgroups, loyal sponsors and diverse membership base for placing its confidence in WEDI as we prepare for what will be an exciting Spring Conference and a year full of promise and progress.”
Prior to his tenure at AHIP, Stellar was president and CEO of the American Managed Care and Review Association (AMCRA); executive director of Healthmaster HMO/IPA; deputy administrator of Charter Medical Services in Saudi Arabia; executive director of EyeCare Associates; associate executive director of the American Association of Foundations for Medical Care; and associate executive director of the American Association of the Professional Standards Review Association (PSRO). Stellar earned bachelor degrees in health administration and business administration at the University of North Carolina.
