Wisconsin state agencies, universities, and local employers gathered at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison to celebrate the successes of the 2024 Well Wisconsin program.

Well Wisconsin is a voluntary program for employees, retirees, and their spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program (GHIP). Participants receive support in accomplishing their health and well-being goals and can be awarded with a $150 incentive for completing a health check, health assessment, and well-being activity. The deadline to earn the incentive this year is October 17, 2025.

Ceremony Highlights

Alicia Elevate Presentation at 2024 Well Wisconsin Awards

The ceremony kicked off at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison with a note of appreciation of commitment by the Department of Employee Trust Funds Deputy Secretary, Diana Felsmann.

Next, WebMD’s Alicia Canavera previewed the new 4-part leadership well-being training series with a focus on “Fostering Resilience to Prevent Burnout.” See details on Elevate Management series in Upcoming Events.

ETF’s Disease Management and Wellness Program Manager Molly Dunks shared Well Wisconsin highlights:

Department of Administration Division Administrator for Personnel Management, Jennifer Flogel and Wellness & EAP Coordinator, Christina Bulin presented awards to representatives of state agency honorees.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, Karen Massetti-Moran and Universities of Wisconsin Office of Human Resources Benefits Program Manager, Erin Schoonmaker presented awards to UW institution honorees.

2024 Well Wisconsin Award Recipients

2024 Well Wisconsin Awards Receiving Award

Purpose Driven Award

  • Dan Tyler from the Department of Transportation is living his purpose of “showing up more fully, to increase happiness and reduce suffering” by volunteering his time over the last six years to lead mindfulness for more than 18,000 person-sessions.

Leadership Spotlight

  • Brenda Clifton from the Department of Health Services is modeling well-being for employees, creating a space that is caring and supportive, and created a full-time well-being employee position at the Department.

Excellence and Innovation in Employee Well-being

  • Debra Lafler, Wellness and EAP Manager and Mai J. Lo Lee, Division of Public health Culture and Engagement Strategist at the Department of Health Services are creating a culture of well-being.

Personal Spotlight

  • Justin Bodoh from the City of Mequon for successfully quitting smoking after 24 years. He now reports more energy and endurance, improved sleep, and weight loss.
  • Shelby Buchanan from the University of Wisconsin System Administration for making several behavior and lifestyle changes that have resulted in reduced chronic pain, weight loss, as well as improved mental health and biometric measures.
  • Marni Martinson from the Department of Health Services for achieving weight loss and mental health goals.

Well Wisconsin Participation

  • University of System Administration – highest percent participation (43%) in Well Wisconsin among Universities of Wisconsin with less than 1,000 employees
  • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire – highest percent participation (38%) in Well Wisconsin among Universities of Wisconsin with more than 1,000 employees
  • Wisconsin Department of Children and Families – highest percent participation (52%) in Well Wisconsin among state agencies with more than 500 employees
  • Wisconsin State Fair Park – highest percent participation (63%) in Well Wisconsin among state agencies with less than 500 employees
  • Bayfield County – highest percent participation (77%) in Well Wisconsin among local employers with greater than 100 employees
  • Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District – highest percent participation (68%) in Well Wisconsin among local employers with less than 100 employees.