Corrie Ellefson, CSM, CAL-E/CAL-T, Manager, Healthplan Systems IT, HealthPartners

What is your current role?

In my current role at HealthPartners, I lead three software development teams that serve the health plan’s Health & Care Engagement division. My teams serve over 500 clinicians and staff who provide case/disease management, utilization management, absence management, and incentive management and fulfillment through delivery of innovative and transformative technology and systems. I have had the pleasure of working for HealthPartners for 24 years.

Why did you join the TRUST & what is your role?

I joined the TRUST about five years ago at the recommendation of our then Chief of Staff, Gina Hall. I was searching for growth and development opportunities when she recommended the TRUST, as they not only provide excellent programming opportunities but also a way to connect with other women in the health care industry. The TRUST has exceeded my expectations and I now look forward to any opportunity when I can share with other women what the TRUST has to offer.

I began serving on the TRUST’s Associate Board in January 2024 and became a member of the Forum committee.

What has been your favorite part of being a TRUST member?

My favorite part of the TRUST, first and foremost, is the amazing and inspiring women I can connect with through various programs, events and committees. I was absolutely honored to have been matched with Joy King two years ago as my mentor, through the TRUST mentorship program. At a point in my career when I was challenged with imposter syndrome, Joy was there to hold up a mirror which allowed me to see what I was truly capable of accomplishing. I have since been able to pay it forward by becoming a mentor through the same program.

What one word would you use to summarize what the TRUST means to you?

Connection.

How do you support other women in their leadership journey?

As a leader in the technology space, it has been my mission to ensure women technologists have a platform to have their voices heard and are presented with equal opportunities to their male peers. I co-chair my division’s DevDays events, which focus on personal development, exploration, innovation, collaboration, and growth. This gives all technologists an equal opportunity to share their skills. In addition, I mentor women technologists to help them grow in their skills and confidence to continue advancing their careers.

What do you love the most about the health care industry?

Having grown up in a family full of health care providers of all types, living in service of others is part of who I am. It has been a privilege to be able to mold my career in a blend of my love of technology with health care. As a servant leader of three amazing agile development teams, it is exciting to bring innovation, automation and digitization to our clinicians; knowing that each delivery of valued technology will have a direct impact on the care and experience of our members, patients and community.

How do you maintain or improve your health and well-being?

Health and well-being are a constant journey. I really enjoy finding any activity that will allow me to be outdoors. My favorite is being a part of a women’s competitive dragonboat team, Off the Edge. From April to September, I am on the water multiple times a week to train, which gives me an opportunity to let everything else around me go, as I focus on being present in the boat and in harmony with my 21 other teammates. When I’m not on the water, hiking with my pups is another way I can let go and reset my inner balance.

Words of wisdom to live by?

Whether you are a mentor or a mentee, a parent or child, a leader or individual contributor, this quote by Marcel Proust, speaks to the adventure of growth and learning: ‘We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.’

We should all strive to be open to every learning opportunity that life puts in our path, stretching to expand our views every day.