April 21, 2016
Melissa L. Breen will join Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) May 2 as director of the newly-created Office of Community Engagement.
Breen most recently was vice president of Membership and Certification with Medical Group Management Association, headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
In this role, Breen will be an adviser to MCHS leadership while working with representatives from communities, organizations and local governments to align communities' health and wellness needs and represent MCHS at community, local and state government meetings.
"With 19 years of experience in the health care industry, including 11 years in an executive role, Melissa is highly qualified to help MCHS continue to develop and facilitate engagement within the communities we serve," said Dr. Susan Turney, chief executive officer, MCHS. "She has proven expertise with building successful relationships, from boards to communities. Also helpful is that she knows the health care industry on many levels and can bring that knowledge to help us grow in ways that will truly benefit our patients and communities."
"MCHS is a world-class organization," Breen said, "and I love the mission of MCHS. I truly want to help change health care for the better, not just at the clinic level but in all communities. I'm a big believer that all health care is local and with this position MCHS believes in local care, too. The only way you can continue to grow is to build those relationships with communities."
She's worked with Turney in previous capacities and looks forward to once again working under her leadership. "With the Clinic being here nearly 100 years, it's exciting to think about what the new century will bring and being part of that is great," she said.
Wisconsin is home to her, since she grew up in Eagle River and moved to Madison while in high school, so "small-town Wisconsin is in my blood."
Prior to MGMA, Breen was with the Wisconsin Medical Society in a number of capacities, including director of Membership; executive director, Waukesha County Medical Society; director, Development; Membership field director; and communication specialist/web site manager.
Breen is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, Colorado Healthcare Strategy and Management, Colorado Society of Association Executives and National Association of Professional Women.
She earned a bachelor's degree in business and English at Edgewood College, Madison.
Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) was incorporated in October 2012 and implemented in 2014. MCHS oversees Marshfield Clinic, Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., Marshfield Clinic Information Services, Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls, along with Ministry Health Care; and Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake.
