Navigating the complexities of the healthcare landscape, particularly in rural populations, presents a unique set of challenges. These include adapting to modern technologies, complying with evolving regulations and addressing unexpected hurdles. As the chief executive officer of Security Health Plan, Krista Hoglund strives to approach these complexities with flexibility and compassion.
“The greatest leadership lesson I’ve learned in the last year is the critical importance of effective change management,” she said.
Security Health Plan, a part of Marshfield Clinic Health System, is a not-for-profit health maintenance organization. The organization is committed to improving members’ health, managing healthcare costs and providing them with a high-quality healthcare experience.
Under Hoglund’s leadership, the Security Health Plan has turned negative net membership growth to positive since 2021. The firm is on track to exceed 3% net growth again in 2024, and on track to reach an increase of 20% of revenue by 2027.
In addition to growth, the company’s five-year strategic plan emphasizes service excellence, financial stewardship, quality and being a workplace of choice. Hoglund was an integral part of working toward a merger partnership with its sponsor organization and has been a strong voice at the state and national levels on issues that affect regional health plans. Hoglund has led the charge to streamline processes and improve quality across the organization through a combination of innovative thinking and the use of technology.
According to Hoglund, one of the greatest accomplishments this year was successfully executing the health plan’s initiatives by optimizing customer service training, performing a deep-dive market review, and enhancing the approach to healthcare delivery. Under her leadership, these successes culminated in $9.9 million in savings for Security Health Plan and contributed an additional $1.3 million toward Marshfield Clinic Health System’s financial improvement plan.
As a leader, Hoglund is committed to continuous improvement training. “I want every employee to have opportunities to refine their skills and grow, whether through modern technologies, process improvements or creative problem-solving,” she said. “This mindset ensures that our team stays adaptable and forward-thinking.”
In order to reignite her passion, Hoglund said she prioritizes human connections and staying deeply engaged in the mission of enriching people’s lives. “Hearing directly from employees on what is working and not working gives me great insight into the business, and I always come away reenergized,” she said. “These personal interactions remind me that with every decision we make as a company, real people and communities are affected.”