
The longtime CEO of the Wisconsin Statewide Health Information Network (WISHIN) will retire on December 31.
A Board search committee has begun the work of identifying candidates to succeed Joe Kachelski, who has led WISHIN since its founding in December 2010, said Dr. Tim Bartholow, WISHIN’s Board Chair. “From WISHIN’s beginning, Joe’s leadership has connected organizations that can improve the health of the people of our state,” Bartholow said.
“The growth and diversification of WISHIN’s network and services will allow people to enjoy better health and workforce productivity in the next phase of its evolution.” As the state-designated entity for electronic health information exchange under chapter 153 of the Wisconsin Statutes, WISHIN has built an extensive diverse network of 2,200 health organizations, including hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, nursing homes, emergency medical services, pharmacies, public health departments, ADRCs, FQHCs, behavioral health providers, insurer case managers and others. WISHIN is facilitating real-time access to medical history wherever it is needed to improve clinical decision-making and care coordination for Wisconsinites.
“My time at WISHIN has been professionally and personally fulfilling,” said Kachelski. “I’ve had the pleasure of working over the years with a strong, mission-driven team and wise and supportive Board members. But our customers, and the people they serve, are ultimately why we do what we do. When they tell us what WISHIN means to them, I can’t help but be proud to be part of this team.”
Bartholow said it is expected that a new CEO will be hired by November 1, after which Kachelski will assist in the transitioning of duties to his successor.