#United States #Washington #Evolent Health #Rick Jelinek #Brendan Springstubb

Evolent Health Board of Directors' Revamp

Evolent Health, Inc., a prominent player in improving health outcomes for patients with complex conditions, recently revealed pivotal changes to its Board of Directors, reinforcing its commitment to robust corporate governance and active collaboration with shareholders. The update, announced on February 4, 2025, emphasizes the appointment of Rick Jelinek as the new Chair of the Board during the upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting, marking a strategic shift in leadership.

New Leadership Roles

Rick Jelinek, who has been an independent director on Evolent's Board since 2023, will take the reins from Cheryl Scott, who expressed her gratitude for leading the Board since 2022. Jelinek's extensive experience, including his role as Managing Partner at Czech One Capital Partners and as the Executive Vice President of CVS Health, positions him to drive Evolent's mission forward effectively.

Alongside Jelinek’s appointment, Brendan Springstubb has joined the Board as an independent director. With over two decades of experience in healthcare investments and a strong background in public company strategy and investor communication, Springstubb adds a wealth of knowledge that is expected to bolster Evolent's governance and overall strategy.

A Commitment to Refreshing the Board

These leadership changes are part of Evolent's broader effort to refresh its Board of Directors, with plans to add another independent director before the 2025 Annual Meeting. This initiative aligns with Evolent's goal of ensuring that governance practices are not only compliant but also reflect leading standards in the industry.

Cheryl Scott commented on the rotation of the Chair position, stating that this transition reinforces Evolent's commitment to aligning corporate governance with best practices, ensuring continual improvement in driving health outcomes. She remarked, “Our continued Board refreshment builds on actions previously taken by the Evolent Board to ensure that our corporate governance is aligned with best-in-class practices.”

Shareholder Perspectives

The new appointments have garnered positive reactions from significant shareholders. Glenn W. Welling, Founder and CIO of Engaged Capital, expressed confidence in Springstubb’s capabilities as a strong advocate for shareholders. Welling noted, “As evidenced by its consistent new business wins and high customer retention, Evolent is a critical service provider to its clients.” This endorsement underscores the importance of strategic governance in fostering business success and enhancing shareholder value.

CEO Seth Blackley also shared his enthusiasm regarding these leadership adjustments, emphasizing that both Rick and Brendan will be instrumental in creating value for all stakeholders. He acknowledged the Board's longstanding commitment to advancing Evolent's mission and thanked Cheryl Scott for her invaluable service during her tenure as Chair.

Brendan Springstubb’s Background

Brendan Springstubb steps into this new role with notable expertise in healthcare investments. His previous experience includes being a Principal at Engaged Capital, where he focused primarily on healthcare industry investments, and he has served as a board member for SunOpta Inc., chairing the Compensation Committee. His comprehensive academic background, including a master’s degree in biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and economics from Pomona College, further supports his qualifications.

Through these changes, Evolent Health aims to enhance its governance framework while ensuring that its strategic direction aligns with achieving better health outcomes for patients. \[Link to Evolent's updates and initiatives\]

For more information about Evolent Health and the newly appointed directors, visit Evolent's corporate site linked in this article.