Medical College Names Stadler Endowment Director
Michael E. Stadler, a head and neck surgeon, will lead Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin after Jesse Ehrenfeld's departure for Aidoc.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in People
The Medical College of Wisconsin named Michael E. Stadler executive director of Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin, an endowment that awards dozens of grants each year to medical researchers and community organizations. He replaces Jesse Ehrenfeld, who resigned at the end of 2025 to join Aidoc.
Why it matters
The endowment, worth more than $550 million at the end of June 2025, directs grant money to health research and public health projects across Wisconsin. Stadler previously led the endowment's efforts to invest in health care workers' wellbeing, giving continuity to its existing priorities.
The endowment was valued at more than $550 million at the end of June 2025, according to its annual audit, and has awarded over $380 million in grants since 2004. Income is split 65% to medical research and education and 35% to public health projects, though the source does not say whether that split will change under new leadership.
The players
Medical College of Wisconsin
The Milwaukee-based academic medical center that hosts the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin endowment and oversees its grantmaking.
Michael E. Stadler
A head and neck surgeon and former chief medical officer of Froedtert Hospital who now leads the endowment.
Jesse Ehrenfeld
A physician and former executive director of the endowment who resigned at the end of 2025 to become chief medical officer of Aidoc.
Shekar Kurpad
President and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin, to whom the endowment's executive director reports.
The details
Stadler is a head and neck surgeon who will remain on the Medical College faculty as an associate professor. He reports to Medical College President and CEO Shekar Kurpad, and Cheryl Maurana served as interim executive director during the search.
Timeline
2004: Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin began awarding grants.
2019 to 2024: Stadler served as chief medical officer of Froedtert Hospital.
End of 2025: Ehrenfeld resigned and joined Aidoc as chief medical officer.
Nov. 4, 2026: The Medical College announced Stadler's appointment.
Market Landscape
The endowment was created when Blue Cross Blue Shield United of Wisconsin converted from nonprofit to for-profit, directing a share of that transition's value toward health research. Stadler's appointment continues that model of using a single large endowment to fund statewide medical and public health grants.
Wisconsin residents and health organizations seeking grants from Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin will be dealing with the endowment's new leadership. The source does not describe changes to application processes or eligibility.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at large health endowments can shape which priorities receive funding, so grant applicants may want to watch for announcements from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Stadler's background in health care workers' wellbeing suggests that area may remain a focus.
Further reading
For more on leadership moves at health institutions, see People coverage across Wisconsin.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Journal Sentinel.
