2023 Bert Wachtelhausen headshot

PRESS RELEASE

FARMINGTON, Conn. – October 16, 2024 – WellSpark Health (WellSpark) founder and seasoned insurance industry executive, Roberta “Bert” Wachtelhausen, has been awarded Hartford Business Journal’s (HBJ) annual Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a select few top-performing local executives who have demonstrated outstanding long-term leadership within their industry and communities. Award recipients were selected by guest judges from the business community.

Inspired by the resilience and determination from her time as a member of the UConn women’s Division One basketball team, Bert expertly navigated a traditionally male-dominated industry, achieving the highest levels of leadership in the health insurance sector over her 30+-year career. Known as a visionary and perpetual student of the industry, her expansive knowledge has shaped products and programs at health plans and well-being service organizations, including the founding of WellSpark Health.

“I am both honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the Hartford Business Journal,” said Bert Wachtelhausen. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible teams I have had the privilege to work with; their dedication and collaboration have been instrumental to my success and have made this journey truly rewarding.”

“Bert is a trailblazer, a role model, and an executive with heart, that selflessly shares her expertise with others so they can succeed. Her leadership and communication style are empowering, and she has been an integral part of our senior leadership team. I’m proud to congratulate Bert on behalf of the entire EmblemHealth enterprise,” said Karen Ignagni, EmblemHealth CEO.

In 2023, Bert transitioned from founder and president of WellSpark to a valued member of its advisory team. She actively mentors rising female executives and serves on multiple boards including the CT IFS, Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, and The Governor’s Prevention Partnership.

About WellSpark WellSpark Health, a leading wellbeing, disease prevention and management company, delivers a full suite of customized programs designed to support the modern workforce in achieving their personal well. Working with WellSpark, employers create a culture of health motivating employees to engagement and enduring change. This leads to mitigating future healthcare costs, improving productivity and engagement, and reducing absenteeism. Based in Connecticut, WellSpark serves public and private sector employers in 30 states across the U.S. WellSpark is part of the EmblemHealth family of companies. To learn more visit the EmblemHealth website.