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Jim Lewis
Executive Director of the Vaughan Institute
Professional Background
James Lewis is a distinguished executive and entrepreneur with an extensive 35-year career dedicated to enhancing safety, security, and convenience through innovative solutions in the insurance and technology sectors. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of the Vaughan Institute at the University of Iowa, where he applies his wealth of knowledge and industry experience to shape the next generation of leaders in risk management and insurance.
Throughout his career, James has demonstrated a robust ability to connect strategic opportunities with practical solutions. He began his journey by founding Relationship Marketing, where he successfully improved loyalty and profitability for some of the world's leading brands, including Principal, Ameriprise, AT&T, and Time Warner. His expertise in cultivating significant partnerships drove the company to serve Fortune 100 clients effectively, influencing millions of their customers.
In 2013, motivated by the challenges in healthcare, James co-founded a pioneering medical bill review and wellness company. This experience illuminated the pressing need for price transparency and accessibility in the healthcare market, ultimately igniting his passion for reshaping the $3.5 trillion health insurance industry.
In 2017, he innovatively launched Benjamin®, the first permission-based AI advisor designed to empower users by securely accessing their health insurance claims. By proactively identifying prescription savings and predicting potential adverse drug events, Benjamin® received recognition as the University of Iowa's JPEC Business of the Year in 2021, showcasing James's vision and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes.
After achieving significant milestones, James and his team sold Benjamin® to Clever Health in 2022, combining forces to enhance smart virtual care. Under his leadership, the platform grew exponentially, reaching nearly one million contracted users in less than three years. Following this success, James took on the role of Alumni Director at the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA), where he utilized his insights to manage a diverse portfolio of 46 active insurtech companies, all while fostering a strategic partnership with the University of Iowa to create methodologies crucial for insurtech startups.
Education and Achievements
James Lewis pursued his educational journey at the University of Iowa, where he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), concentrating on Finance and Marketing. His academic foundation has significantly influenced his career decisions, paving the way for visionary leadership within several successful organizations.
Over the years, James has been involved in various prestigious organizations, including the Global Insurance Accelerator, where he aimed to elevate emerging insurtech innovations. His role as a shareholder and advisor at Clever Health and previous positions, such as the Chief Operating Officer at Splashlight and MBA Instructor, illustrate the depth of experience he brings to any team.
James has also held leadership roles as past president of the Tippie Marketing Institute Advisory Board and board member of the University of Iowa Alumni Leadership Council. His commitment to the academic community reflects his dedication to fostering growth within the insurance and marketing fields.
Achievements
James's career is marked by a multitude of notable achievements that illustrate his innovative spirit, strategic thinking, and relentless pursuit of excellence. The recognition of Benjamin® as the JPEC Business of the Year at the University of Iowa highlights his contributions to blending technology with healthcare in transformative ways.
Moreover, his participation in highly regarded innovation accelerators such as the Global Insurance Accelerator, Gener8tor, StartUp Health, and Expert Dojo speaks volumes about his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and supporting fellow entrepreneurs. Thanks to his visionary approach, various funding streams, including angel investors and venture capital, have significantly propelled the growth of his ventures.
James's unwavering enthusiasm for education and mentorship continues to drive his efforts at the Vaughan Institute. He aims to build one of the nation's leading programs in risk management and insurance, focusing on equipping students with the necessary skills and connections to excel in their careers.
In conclusion, James Lewis stands out as a creative problem solver and a dynamic leader in the fields of insurtech and healthcare innovation. With his extensive experience, wealth of knowledge, and passion for developing the next generation of insurance leaders, James is undoubtedly making the world safer, smarter, and more secure.
