Twenty-five years ago, Lee Angus co-founded MEDI Leadership on a simple but powerful premise: healthcare leaders face challenges unlike those in any other industry, and deserve coaching that understands that reality. What started as an ambitious idea has grown into the nation’s most trusted coaching firm dedicated exclusively to leaders in healthcare—from health system executives to leaders at health insurers, medical device manufacturers, and other healthcare organizations.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’re also marking another significant transition. Effective January 2026, Kristy Kainrath is stepping into the role of MEDI Leadership President, with Lee transitioning to President Emeritus.
“This is the kind of intentional succession planning that ensures MEDI’s impact continues to grow for the next 25 years and beyond,” Lee shares. He will remain deeply involved with MEDI, focusing on business development and continuing to coach senior executives. Meanwhile, Kristy will lead day-to-day operations and client care, bringing decades of experience navigating complex healthcare transformation—exactly what today’s leaders need most.
Why Kristy, Why Now
Healthcare leadership has never been more demanding. Leaders must transform entire systems while maintaining quality care and financial sustainability—a level of complexity that requires different strategic thinking. This transition positions MEDI to meet this moment.
Those who’ve worked with Kristy since she joined MEDI in 2019 already know what makes her exceptional. As Lee puts it: “Kristy is a true thought leader. Our core values match, she has a strong track record as a coach, and a proven ability to support healthcare leaders as the industry changes. We’re in really good hands.”
Before joining MEDI Leadership, Kristy served as Chief Strategy Officer for a large medical device company within the Ascension Health family. She lived the reality our clients face: leading through rapid change, building innovative solutions, and transforming organizational culture. That hands-on experience with healthcare’s unique complexities shapes her coaching.
“The relationships we build with the leaders we coach are transformational,” Kristy says. “There’s something meaningful about walking alongside someone through their leadership journey, seeing them grow, watching their impact expand. As healthcare grows more complex, helping leaders accelerate their development has never been more important.”
Positioning for the Future
This new leadership structure enables us to be even more responsive to our clients’ evolving needs. It’s also about longevity. “It takes time to transition effectively,” Lee notes. “This is about setting up the next generation of MEDI leaders to thrive.”
Kristy is quick to acknowledge the foundation she’s building on, and the team she gets to work alongside. “My colleagues are exceptionally skilled leaders with deep experience in healthcare, creating real transformation for the leaders we serve,” she says. “I’m grateful to be stepping into this role and excited about what we’ll accomplish together.”
As MEDI enters its next quarter-century, one thing remains constant: our commitment to the healthcare leaders who trust us with their toughest challenges. The industry continues to evolve, the pressures continue to mount, and the need for truly transformational coaching has never been greater.
We’re ready for what comes next.
MEDI Leadership is a service of Navvis, part of the Surround Care family.
