Former Speaker of the
House Paul Hillegonds was unanimously appointed as the first CEO of the Health
Endowment Fund on Monday. Due to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
conversion into a non-profit mutual insurer, the fund will have $1.5 billion
over time to benefit the state’s health. Mr. Hillegonds has said that he is
ready for the challenge ahead and that his key goal will be to build a staff
for the endowment.
Mr. Hillegonds
celebrated the effort the board made with their listening tour and stated that
the information gathered from around the state will help him to guide the
direction of the fund. He emphasized the importance of the board’s grant making
ability as a way to increase their influence and stated that teaming up with
other funds in this capacity will be important.
Mr. Hillegonds
previously served as minority leader, co-speaker, and speaker of the House
until leaving in 1996, after 18 years of service. More recently he was the
senior Vice President at DTE Energy where he retired from last year. He is
currently the chair of the Regional Transit Authority in Southeast Michigan, and
a board member of the Kresge Foundation. He plans to remain with both.