#USA #Minneapolis #Blue Zones #Dan Buettner #Brett McClung

Blue Zones Welcomes Brett McClung as New CEO

On October 5, 2026, Blue Zones, a pioneering organization in longevity research and community well-being enhancement, announced the appointment of Brett McClung as its new Chief Executive Officer and President. With over twenty years of leadership experience in the healthcare sector, McClung is set to guide Blue Zones into its next phase of growth, emphasizing preventive health measures and community engagement.

A Transformative Leader in Healthcare

Before joining Blue Zones, Brett McClung held the position of President and CEO at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Florida. During his tenure there, he not only managed one of America’s largest health systems, but he also played a vital role in integrating the Blue Zones Project into the Jacksonville community. His work exemplifies his commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles and improving public health on a broad scale.

Previously, McClung was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Texas Health Resources in Fort Worth, where he championed the Blue Zones Project as well. These experiences have solidified his dedication to improving health outcomes and created a foundation of knowledge that he brings with him to his new role at Blue Zones.

A Focus on Preventive Health

After his successful leadership at Baptist Health, McClung had the opportunity to expand his knowledge further as a Fellow at Stanford University's Distinguished Careers Institute. His time there allowed him to analyze how America’s healthcare system can shift from a traditional focus on treating diseases to one that prioritizes preventive care. This fundamental shift is crucial for fostering environments where community members can thrive.

McClung’s career evolution reflects his deep desire to close the gap between current health realities and the potential for better public health. His experience has broadened through various advisory positions, especially those that intersect with technology and innovation in healthcare.

Synthesizing Health and Community

Brett McClung’s understanding of community transformation extends beyond traditional healthcare models. He possesses a robust vision for integrating technology into health initiatives, helping to pioneer solutions that promote longevity and wellness on a community level. This includes engagement with start-ups in the healthcare space focusing on artificial intelligence, digital health, and new care models.

His work as an American Marshall Fellow further supports his expertise, giving him insight into global healthcare systems. This gives him a unique perspective that is advantageous for reshaping Blue Zones’ approach to improving population health.

Transitioning Leadership

McClung succeeds Ben Leedle, the co-founder of Blue Zones, who has been instrumental in shaping its mission for the past nine years. Although Leedle is transitioning out of the CEO role, he remains with Blue Zones, focusing on strategic growth and partnerships. Scott Marcus, who acted as interim president during the transition, will continue to play an essential role at Blue Zones Kitchen.

Leedle expressed confidence in McClung's capabilities, stating, “The next chapter of this company will demand new energy and different leadership rhythms. I know Brett has the vision and commitment to lead us to new heights.” Under McClung’s leadership, Blue Zones is poised to take on challenges related to health disparity and pursue innovative strategies to make healthy living accessible and sustainable.

A Commitment to Community Health

Brett McClung has made it clear that his focus lies in improving community health through strategic collaborations. “I have spent my career trying to close the gap between the health people have today and the health they are capable of achieving,” McClung stated. This commitment resonates with the core mission of Blue Zones to create environments that make healthy choices easy.

Blue Zones is expected to continue its current partnerships and initiatives unchanged, facilitating its extensive research into longevity and health improvement led by its founder, Dan Buettner. Buettner emphasized the need for supportive environments that lead to longer, healthier lives, reiterating the importance of McClung's understanding of community health strategies.

About Blue Zones

Blue Zones is dedicated to employing research-driven methods to enhance the health and longevity of communities. Its foundation is laid on explorations and studies conducted in various