Press Release

International Foundation and WELCOA Expand Workplace Wellness Impact Through New Partnership

Issued by International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans [IFEBP]

July 17, 2023

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) have formalized a strategic alliance to amplify the collective mission of improving the health and well-being of workplaces across the United States and Canada.

“We are excited about WELCOA’s mission and teaming up to bring meaningful change to millions of people through our combined services,” said Terence Davidson, CEBS, International Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “We feel this is a great opportunity to reconnect with our industry’s roots of benefits and wellness together, joining forces to grow it into something new,” Davidson added.

“WELCOA’s purpose has always been to help people and organizations thrive. Combining the resources and thought leadership of two organizations that have been at the forefront of wellness and employee benefits for decades will provide needed support to the marketplace and improve workplace culture and employee experience through benefits and wellness education. We are currently collaborating and exploring how to best serve our members with this partnership, and we’re excited to bring even greater value to the dedicated and passionate professionals that we serve,” said Ryan Picarella, WELCOA Executive Director.

The benefits industry and wellness industry have historically shared the same goal of improving individual and organizational well-being. The International Foundation and WELCOA both come from a community of employers and plan sponsors ready to continue their critical work.  

“At the center of this partnership lies a dedication to our members. They are the lifeblood of the International Foundation, and through this strategic alliance, we’re able to bridge a knowledge gap and deliver exceptional value to our members, helping them thrive in their roles as employers/plan sponsors,” said Sean Madix, International Foundation President and Chair of the Board.

“Improving the lives of all working people has always been central to WELCOA’s mission. We serve professionals who strive to build flourishing workplaces, and with this partnership, alongside those we serve, we’ll come even closer to reaching that goal. This is an exciting time for WELCOA and the International Foundation as both organizations will have a greater depth of resources and support to continue propelling service-oriented missions forward,” said John Kizer, WELCOA board member and son of WELCOA founder, Bill Kizer. 

WELCOA has become an affiliate of the International Foundation and will remain an independent 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. An interlocking board and staff will allow the International Foundation and WELCOA to more comprehensively serve both organizations as true transformative leaders in the total worker well-being and benefits space.

More About WELCOA: WELCOA is one of the nation’s most respected resources for building high-performing, healthy workplaces. With a 30-year history, impacting countless lives around the globe, WELCOA has an impeccable reputation for helping business and health professionals improve employee well-being and create healthier organizational cultures. For additional information, visit www.welcoa.org.

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