Michael H. Samuelson

Currently, Michael serves as the President and CEO of The Health & Wellness Institute, and as Vice President, Health & Wellness Service for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Prior to his time in Rhode Island, 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 is widely published and is a director, consultant, and advisor to numerous prestigious boards and organizations including The Men's Health Network, The Business Innovation Factory, The HERO Forum for Optimal Employee Health, The Lance Armstrong Foundation and The Department of Defense. In addition, he has written and contributed to corporate policies for several major U.S. corporations. 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, 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 serves on a number of national cancer boards and, at the request of former President George H. W. Bush, is a Member of C-Change. Among his many leisure activities, Michael enjoys mountain adventures. His most recent conquered challenge was the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2006 (Don't tell a cancer survivor what he/she can't do!)

Michael is the author of: "Voices from the Edge: Life Lessons from the Cancer Community," "Moments...Not Years," "Relaxation," "Balance Before Burnout," "What Would Mickey Say: Coaching Men to Health & Happiness" and "Marketing Healthy Lifestyles: Advancing Health Promotion as a Profit Center and Cost Containment Strategy." His poem, "Close the Door Before You Leave" has been distributed throughout the world and was featured in "Chicken Soup for the Soul" Healthy Living series on Breast Cancer.

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

- "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."

- "... You also have the knack of maintaining what I know you strive for, and this a coterie of individuals diverse [the cancer community], yet with one overriding common concern. You have done it well."

- "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 ..."