The Scottsdale Institute (SI) announces with deep gratitude and admiration Don Wegmiller’s transition to Chair Emeritus. This transition marks the end of an era of extraordinary leadership by Wegmiller, who, with the late Stan Nelson, co-founded the organization 32 years ago. As Don transitions to Chair Emeritus, John Glaser, PhD, will assume the role of Board Chair, while Tom Sadavary remains as Vice Chair and Michael Shabot, MD, remains as Secretary/Treasurer.
In 1993, Don and Stan Nelson established what was then known as the Center for Clinical Integration (CCI). Their vision was to create a forum for health systems to collaborate and share best practices in the burgeoning field of healthcare information technology (IT), recognizing its pivotal role in the future of healthcare. Under Don’s guidance, the Scottsdale Institute has flourished from a small gathering of forward-thinking CEOs to a nationally recognized collaborative comprising over 65 not-for-profit Member health systems and a network of strategic partners and sponsors.
“The resources made available to hospitals and health systems through the Institute since its inception have been immeasurable and will no doubt have a positive, lasting impact for many years to come,” said SI Board Vice Chair, Tom Sadvary, FACHE. “Don’s inspirational leadership and energetic approach have made a lasting and positive imprint on the SI culture.” Scottsdale Institute Executive Committee member and Chief Value Officer at Vitalyze, Scott Weingarten, MD, also praised Wegmiller saying, “Don’s visionary leadership helped transform SI into a widely admired and respected force in healthcare information technology, setting new standards for innovation, collaboration, and impact. His legacy will continue to shape the industry for years to come.”
Don’s contributions to healthcare extend far beyond the Scottsdale Institute. His distinguished career includes transformative roles as a health-system CEO, where he led the creation of Allina Health System, the development of industry leader Premier, and the establishment of one of the nation’s largest healthcare executive-compensation firms. His influence has been instrumental in advancing healthcare delivery, strategy, and leadership. In recognition of his extraordinary service, the Scottsdale Institute’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors issued a proclamation on April 22, 2025, expressing their “deep and enduring gratitude” to Don for his “vision, devotion, enlightened leadership, and downright good nature.”
As Chair Emeritus, Don remains an active part of the Scottsdale Institute community, providing invaluable counsel and continuing to inspire the organization’s commitment to inspire and convene thought-leading Member health systems and their partners to leverage information and technology to create effective, affordable and equitable healthcare centered on whole person care. The Scottsdale Institute and its Members extend their heartfelt thanks to Don and wish him all the best in his next adventure.