Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH
Director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, senior associate dean at the Medical College of Wisconsin
Age: 41
Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware
Education: Bachelor of Science from Haverford College, MD from University of Chicago, Master of Public Health from Harvard University
Previous position: Associate professor of anesthesiology, biomedical informatics, surgery, and health policy at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
What drew you to this position?
“I’ve always been inspired to use the opportunities I’ve had to help others and to have an impact. The work at MCW is groundbreaking, and the opportunity to have an extraordinary impact on the lives of thousands across the state through the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment was a dream job that I had to pursue.”
What about your previous experience prepared you for it?
“My work has been connected around service and advocacy. I’ve been in service to my country in the U.S. Naval Reserve, have advocated for and built programs to promote LGBTQ health. My research has centered around how information technology can improve patient safety, outcomes, and health equity. Moving into a role where I can be a bridge between academic medicine and community impact is a thrill.”
Tell us a little bit about your role.
“The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment is a statewide philanthropy that was established by MCW to steward a generous gift from Blue Cross Blue Shield United of Wisconsin on behalf of the public. Our mission is to improve the health of residents across the state. I feel incredibly fortunate to be serving as director of AHW, where I am guiding the strategy and operations toward that mission. I am excited and energized about the opportunity to work with the hundreds of partners we have across Wisconsin to substantially improve the health of our communities.”
Favorite Milwaukee things to do?
“My husband and I live near Lake Park, and we love to get outside as much as possible with our 11-month-old son, Ethan, and our bulldog, Maddie.”
