Michael H. Samuelson

Michael currently leads business development activities for HWI, shapes the organization's long-term strategy, conducts senior management seminars and delivers enterprise wellness briefings for worksite wellness clients. When he's not on the road, Michael lends his 30 years of expertise to the product development process. In addition to the management of HWI, Michael provides direct executive support to the health insurance industry.

For more than 25 years, Michael was the President and CEO of The National Center for Health Promotion, a health and productivity consulting organization he co-founded in 1977. Over the years NCHP earned a reputation as an international leader in the design and delivery of disease management, training, leadership and health promotion systems. Michael led his marketing team in providing services to over 1,000 corporations and 800 medical centers. In addition, he directed a program of professional development and training for over 4,500 individuals throughout the US, Canada, and Japan.

Michael is widely published and is a past and present director, consultant, and advisor to numerous prestigious boards and organizations, including The Men's Health Network, The Business Innovation Factory, The Lance Armstrong Foundation and The Department of Defense. In addition, he has written and contributed to corporate policies for several major US corporations. This brief video clip describes Michael's career as both a health promotion industry leader and a public speaker, and provides insight into the prevention-focused philosophy and approach which guide HWI.

A graduate of the University of Michigan with a MA degree in Education, Michael has appeared on over 200 television and radio stations throughout North America and has been interviewed by numerous print publications including Newsweek, USA Today, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. His work in the area of behavior change, health economics and healthcare consumer advocacy has been featured on the ABC News program, 20/20, The CBS Morning Show, CNN, and MSNBC. Michael is a Viet Nam Era veteran of the US Air Force (1967 - 1971) and a recipient of the Commanders Coin of Excellence from the US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. An avid fitness advocate and trekker, Michael has climbed mountain peaks in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Alaska, as well as the US lower 48.

To follow Michael's ongoing quest for optimal health, visit his personal blog.

"Michael…You are among a very select group of distinguished leaders, scientists, activists and public figures…"

—George H.W. Bush, Former President of The United States

"Michael: Thank you for helping our stakeholders turn on their radar."

—Willie G. Davidson, Harley-Davidson Motor Company

"Your presentation was truly inspiring and made a significant contribution to the resounding success of the summit [Steps to a Healthier US - Keynote Address] by providing insights and valuable information to our audience."

—Richard H. Carmona, MD, US Surgeon General

"What a marvelous inspirational book you have put together -- it is so touching as one reads each story. However, I am not surprised after meeting you and hearing you speak..."

—Mrs. Betty Ford, Former US First Lady

NOTE: Upon request, additional national endorsements of Michael's work are available from: Larry King, CNN; Ken Blanchard, author; Tom Ridge, Former Director, Homeland Security; D.W Edington, author/professor; James Prochaska, author/professor; Luke Seward, author/professor; The Lance Armstrong Foundation and others.

Please contact Karen.Revill@hwinstitute.com for more information or to request Michael for a speaking engagement.