[Home-on-the-range] FYI…for those of you unable to find the Wichita Business Journal link, here is a print out of the interview. Dianne

[Dianne Hemphill]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Jacquelin Clifton <advocatecare at icloud.com>
> Subject: Wichita Business Journal - Exclusive: Delta Dental of Kansas CEO Linda Brantner to retire
> Date: July 12, 2013 9:10:26 AM CDT
> To: Dianne Cell Hemphill <diannehemphill at cox.net>
> 
> Exclusive: Delta Dental of Kansas CEO Linda Brantner to retire
> After 25 years at the company, Delta Dental of Kansas President and CEO Linda Brantner is retiring.
> 
> Brantner went to work at Delta Dental in 1988 as operations director. She had previously worked at Pizza Hut Inc. She twice served as Delta Dental’s interim CEO before taking over permanently in 2006.
> 
> Brantner earned an MBA at Wichita State University after getting an undergraduate degree in art education. She was a member of the Women in Business class of 2012.
> 
> In her time at Delta Dental, the Kansas operation went from $8 million in annual revenues to $250 million.
> 
> I talked to Brantner Tuesday afternoon.
> 
> Tell me how you came to the decision to retire.
> 
> I felt like I have built a very strong leadership team. The last several years I felt very comfortable that if I was to leave there wouldn’t be a gap at all because they’re just superstars. We also had a real challenge this year to get ready for health care reform. We just completed the first round of making sure that we are going to be able to be a part of the exchanges in our state regardless of how they turn out. So this was just a good time to really stop and think, “Should I wait longer, or is this the right time?” because I’ve got some health issues that have come up again. To me, it made sense that, because the company was in such great shape, and because we’re really moving away from a group marketplace to a more business-to-consumer marketplace, it makes sense to bring in a new CEO to lead us to that next level.
> 
> How are you feeling now?
> 
> I’m feeling good. I’m dealing with the issues at hand. We’re getting a plan in place, and I’m optimistic.
> 
> When is your last day on the job? How did you come to choose that day?
> 
> Sept. 30. That’s the end of the third quarter. And, quite frankly, I wanted to give a minimum of three months’ notice. But more importantly I did not want to stay through the end of the year because of all the long-range planning for the next three to five years that takes place at the end of the year. I believe that it’s important that, if I’m going to step back, to give the team and the new leader the opportunity to build that plan.
> 
> Is there a succession plan in place?
> 
> We do succession planning every year, formal succession planning for key positions, and that’s presented to the board each December. Our succession planning is for stepping in on an interim basis, and for my position they will do a regular national search. Even with strong internal candidates they will look outside before they make that decision.
> 
> As you reflect on your time at Delta Dental, what do you feel are your biggest accomplishments?
> 
> I think just helping grow the company, making Delta Dental a household name. ... Nobody knew who Delta was. People know who we are. I think we have the best product out there. We’ve been able to truly be committed to the communities in which we live through our contributions and through our foundation dollars. I think we’ve made a real impact on the oral health of Kansans. Our gift to WSU for the first formal dental education in the state, the AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) program, to me was just so important and something that we should be a part of. And we’ve had lots of great national recognition for the way we manage the company. So many things. The people — you just can’t stay at a place for 25 years and have such passion about it as I do to not think there are so many incredible things I’m proud of.
> 
> What’s the biggest challenge for the next CEO at Delta?
> 
> Oh, I’m passing some real opportunities and challenges on to the next CEO. Anyone in health care knows that our world is changing. It’s not B to B; it’s going to be B to C, which is very different from the world I’ve operated in for 25 years. I’m envious because there are going to be so many opportunities for that person. And sometimes I think I would kind of like to be a part of that, but I think this is the right time.
> 
> You are a member of several boards of directors. Will you continue to serve on those boards?
> 
> I’m thinking that through right now. I may take a break because I want to really see what retirement’s like. I may take a break and really concentrate on addressing my health issues and enjoying a break. But I’m committed to this community, and I’m going to be on boards. ... I’m going to step back and see what ones are most important to me. They’re all important but you can only be on so many.
> 
> After getting your health back, what do you plan to do in retirement? 
> 
> My husband and I like to travel and spend lots of time with family. We have the best family around, I can tell you. We just spent Fourth of July with them, and I’m worn out from laughing when they leave.
> 
> Anything else you want to add?
> 
> It’s been a great run.
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone

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