Veteran health care strategist to lead products for faith-based benefits ministry
Portico Benefit Services, the benefits ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), today announced that Laura Weiglein will join the organization as Head of Products, effective Nov. 10. Weiglein will drive benefits product design and management of benefit solutions for Portico’s growing membership of faith-based organizations across the country.
Weiglein brings extensive experience in health care strategy and product portfolio management. Her member-centric approach and demonstrated success developing benefit solutions position her well to lead Portico’s product strategy.
“Laura’s strategic vision and deep understanding of what members need from their benefits make her an ideal fit for this role,” said Paul Sterling, Chief Operating Officer of Portico. “She has extensive experience translating complex market dynamics into solutions that deliver real value, leading to a better member experience. Her expertise will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our product offerings to meet the changing needs of our members and the organizations they serve.”
Most recently, Weiglein has served as Director of Commercial Segment Performance at Medica, directing strategic initiatives to optimize membership growth, retention, and revenue. She previously led product solutions at Medica with responsibility for employer- sponsored health plan portfolios serving 850,000 members across six states.
Her background also includes product management leadership at Trustmark Benefits and strategic program development work for HealthPartners. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University.
“The health care landscape continues to grow more complex, and that means greater opportunity to innovate and deliver solutions that truly meet member needs,” Weiglein said. “I’m energized by the challenge and grateful to join an organization so deeply committed to the well-being of those they serve.”