WellLink Announces Leadership Appointments to Guide Next Phase of Growth and Innovation

As part of its continued evolution and commitment to regional well-being, WellLink has named three accomplished leaders to new roles with its team. The expanded leadership structure underscores WellLink’s focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and measurable impact for members and communities across the region.

To drive this next phase of growth, WellLink has appointed Maria Summers as chief customer success and revenue officer, Kathryn Dougherty as chief growth and innovation officer, and Daniel Lettenberger-Klein as executive director of member programming. Together, they will help shape WellLink’s strategic direction and strengthen its impact across Northeast Ohio.

“I’m truly honored to work alongside these incredible individuals as they step into these expanded leadership roles,” said Brian Lane, president & CEO of WellLink. “Maria’s long-standing dedication to and understanding of WellLink, combined with Kathryn’s strategic insight and Daniel’s deep roots in the community position us for an exciting and high-impact future.”

Summers’ new role includes leadership of WellLink Innovations, a division of WellLink committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare solutions to help organizations strengthen and advance their businesses in a competitive, rapidly evolving environment.

Summers also continues to lead WellLink Group Purchasing, a vital division of the WellLink organization, while actively engaging in and supporting strategic initiatives that advance the organization’s overall objectives. During her time as vice president of WellLink GPO, the organization grew to more than 28,000 member locations and approximately $1.5B in purchasing volume, and has generated more than $50 million in annual savings for members.

“I’m incredibly honored to continue this journey with WellLink in this new role,” said Summers. “Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the meaningful impact we can make when we stay true to our mission, and I am eager to lead WellLink GPO and WellLink Innovations into this exciting new chapter.”

As chief growth and innovation officer, Dougherty brings a powerful combination of entrepreneurial expertise and experience in finance, mergers and acquisitions, and product innovation from multiple Fortune 50 organizations, equipping her to lead WellLink’s next phase of strategic expansion.

Dougherty, who served as WellLink’s corporate development advisor since August 2024, draws on an impressive background that includes founding and leading start-ups, and senior roles at Johnson & Johnson, and Waterson Capital. In her new position, she will be responsible for identifying and advancing new revenue-generating opportunities including strategic acquisitions as well as overseeing investments and involvement in shaping early-stage concepts into scalable, value-driven solutions.

“I’m excited to step into the role of chief growth and innovation officer,” said Dougherty. “Through my previous experience with WellLink as an advisor, I understand the passion and dedication that drive the organization’s mission. I’m eager to help WellLink continue to be a positive force in the community, and I look forward to building upon that momentum as we explore new ways to drive the organization’s growth.”

In his new role as executive director of member programming, Daniel Lettenberger-Klein will strengthen connections with the WellLink board of directors and work closely with the leadership team and community stakeholders to grow and strengthen the association's impact across the region. As a convener, he will lead efforts to bring together hospitals, community organizations and other partners to expand member engagement, deepen collaboration, and advance initiatives that improve access to care and overall community well-being.

Lettenberger-Klein brings more than a decade of leadership experience in behavioral healthcare, including most recently serving as CEO of Stella Maris, where he oversaw business operations, organizational growth and development, and strategic fundraising.

“I’m deeply inspired and energized by my new role with WellLink,” said Lettenberger-Klein. “WellLink’s commitment to advancing health and well-being through collaboration and innovation resonates with me. I believe we can achieve significant, meaningful change right here in Northeast Ohio, and I look forward to working alongside this incredible team to strengthen our community’s well-being.”

Learn more about the WellLink leadership team at welllinkcommunity.com.