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At American Healthcare Leader, we shine a light on the visionaries and experts shaping the future of health in a highly regulated, ever-evolving field.
This month, we’re highlighting six impressive benefits executives to watch who use their expertise across HR, legal, and finance to drive collaboration, well-being, and a strong culture in their organizations.
Do you know a leader who should be part of the American Healthcare Leader network? Introduce us.
Karla Ragsdale
Senior Director, North America Benefits & Compensation
Kito Crosby
Karla Ragsdale is leading the integration of benefit programs following a major acquisition at Kito Crosby, streamlining plans across union and non-union groups to enhance affordability and talent retention. With nearly thirty-four years at the company, she brings a collaborative, employee-first approach to building stable, competitive benefits that serve a diverse workforce.
Connect with Karla Ragsdale on LinkedIn.
Lisa Woods
VP of Benefits & Wellbeing
Walmart
Lisa Woods oversees physical health programs as part of the Walmart’s broader well-being strategy and has helped expand access to high-quality, no-cost benefits like virtual care, mental health services, and at-home labs. With more than three decades at Walmart, she remains passionate about innovation, simplicity, and putting associates’ health at the center of every initiative.
Connect with Lisa Woods on LinkedIn.
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Michael Wilck
Associate General Counsel of Labor & Employment
Ensemble Health Partners
Michael Wilck supports all HR-related legal matters across Ensemble Health Partners, blending real-time counsel with strategic oversight as the company rapidly grows and absorbs new client teams. He prioritizes flexibility, partnership, and employee well-being grounded in “people first, last, and always” to ensure both legal compliance and a respectful, supportive workplace culture.
Connect with Michael Wilck on LinkedIn.
Bella Mestoeva
Executive Director of Total Rewards
Leander ISD
Bella Mestoeva leads strategic initiatives across compensation, benefits, staff development, and retention, with a strong emphasis on transparency, mentorship, and work/life balance. She is currently focused on reviewing Leander ISD’s compensation structures and planning benefits upgrades, all while fostering a high-trust, growth-oriented culture across her HR and systems teams.
Connect with Bella Mestoeva on LinkedIn.
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Marcos Ortiz
Payroll & Benefits Director
Varonis
Marcos Ortiz oversees payroll and benefits across North America and globally, leading a nine-person team through major initiatives like transitioning US payroll operations in-house. He’s focused on building scalable systems at Varonis with a leadership style rooted in trust and collaboration while fostering a family-like team environment that reflects his first-generation Hispanic roots.
Connect with Marcos Ortiz on LinkedIn.
Lisa Walik
Director of Benefits
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Lisa Walik leads strategic benefits initiatives aimed at supporting a growing healthcare workforce through streamlined operations, compliance, and employee education. With a focus on financial wellness, trend-responsive benefits like GLP-1 management, and communication strategies, she empowers her team at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System to care for those who care for patients—all while fostering a collaborative and empathetic workplace culture.
Connect with Lisa Walik on LinkedIn.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI.
