Madison CEO and healthcare leader plans to retire in April 2027 after nearly two decades of service to the Cooperative
MADISON, Wis., May 13, 2026 — Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) announced that Dr. Mark Huth, President and Chief Executive Officer, plans to retire in April 2027 after 20 years of service to the local, non-profit, member-owned Cooperative.
Dr. Huth joined GHC-SCW in 2007 as a practicing Family Physician. Over the years, he advanced through several leadership roles, including Clinic Medical Director, Chief of Staff and Chief Medical Officer, before becoming President and CEO in 2015. His journey from practicing provider to CEO reflects a deeply rooted understanding of GHC-SCW’s patients, members, staff and cooperative mission.
“Dr. Huth’s leadership has shaped an important chapter in GHC-SCW’s history,” said Dr. Ann Hoyt, Chair of the GHC-SCW Board of Directors. “He has led with humility, clinical expertise, kindness and a deep belief in the power of cooperative health care. Under his leadership, GHC-SCW has strengthened its commitment to quality, expanded access to care, advanced health equity and remained true to its identity as a member-owned Cooperative.”
During Dr. Huth’s tenure as CEO, GHC-SCW earned national recognition for quality, innovation and member-centered care. The Cooperative was one of only two plans in the nation to achieve a 5 out of 5 Health Plan Rating from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in 2018 and was the highest ranked health plan for quality in the state in 2025 by the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP). GHC-SCW also earned NCQA Health Equity Accreditation, expanded BadgerCare Plus service areas and launched new programs, such as the GHC Foundations Intensive Outpatient Program and a series of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) programs to improve access to much needed behavioral health services in the area.
Under Dr. Huth’s leadership, GHC-SCW continued to show that a local, non-profit Cooperative can lead nationally in health care innovation. From launching a first-of-its-kind health care Experience Guarantee to becoming the first health care organization in the world to adopt Epic’s AI Charting tool into medical practice, GHC-SCW has consistently embraced new ways to improve care for members. The Cooperative also became the first health care organization in Wisconsin to offer organ donation registration directly through GHCMyChart and was among the first organizations to fully expand interoperability through Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), helping ensure providers have better information to support safer, more connected care.
Under Dr. Huth’s leadership, GHC-SCW also strengthened its role as a local community partner. The Cooperative continued investing in initiatives that support students, families and community well-being, including celebrating 20 years of partnership with the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools through the Adopt-a-School Program. As GHC-SCW prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, Dr. Huth’s leadership has helped position the Cooperative for continued service to members and the communities it serves.
As both a medical provider and health plan executive, Dr. Huth brought together clinical knowledge, health insurance expertise and cooperative leadership. He has represented GHC-SCW through service with organizations including the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans, Alliance of Community Health Plans, National Cooperative Business Association and Cooperative Network, among others. Through this work, he helped elevate GHC-SCW’s voice in conversations about quality care, health plan innovation, community health and the future of cooperative health care.
Dr. Huth’s leadership has also been defined by his focus on people. Colleagues describe him as a steady, thoughtful leader who helped foster a culture of kindness, growth and continuous improvement. Throughout periods of change, uncertainty and opportunity, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Huth remained focused on GHC-SCW’s mission: partnering with members and the communities it serves to maximize health and well-being.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve GHC-SCW, first as a primary care provider and later as CEO,” said Dr. Huth. “This organization is special because of its people. Our staff, providers, members, Board of Directors and community partners believe deeply in doing what is right for the people we serve. It has been an honor to help lead a Cooperative rooted in quality, kindness, innovation and the belief that health care is a human right.”
Dr. Huth’s leadership has been recognized beyond GHC-SCW. In 2025, he received Cooperative Network’s Cooperative Builder Award, honoring individuals who have contributed significant time and energy to building and maintaining cooperative heritage. He was also named to the InBusiness Power 100, recognizing influential leaders across Greater Madison and beyond and the Titan 100, recognizing the 100 top CEOs in the state of Wisconsin.
“Dr. Huth’s impact will be felt long after his retirement,” said Dr. Hoyt. “He has helped build a stronger, more innovative and more compassionate Cooperative. As we look ahead to GHC-SCW’s next chapter, we do so with gratitude for his leadership and confidence in the foundation he helped create.”
GHC-SCW’s Board of Directors has begun planning for a thoughtful leadership transition. Additional information about succession planning will be shared as more details become available.
About Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin
Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin is a local, non-profit, member-owned health care Cooperative serving more than 70,000 members across South Central Wisconsin. As a Cooperative, GHC-SCW partners with members and the communities it serves to maximize health and well-being. GHC-SCW is committed to high-quality care, member-centered service, health equity, innovation and community involvement.
