Debbie Welle-Powell is vice president of payer strategies and government affairs for Exempla Healthcare, a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare system consisting of three hospitals and a network of clinics throughout Metro Denver. Exempla, Inc. was formed in 1998, and has a long history of providing medical care to patients through Exempla Lutheran Medical Center since 1905, Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital since 1873, and Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center beginning in 2004.

Welle-Powell leads contract negotiations with health plans and oversees public affairs on behalf of Exempla. She develops strategic partnerships and relationships with state and congressional legislators, national and local leaders, policy makers, chambers, and employer groups. In 2008, Welle-Powell was appointed by Gov. Bill Ritter to serve on the Centennial Care Choices Program Panel to test the value of offering limited Benefit Plans -- low cost health plans to provide coverage to the uninsured.

Welle-Powell is a Minnesota native and resident of Colorado since college. She earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Moorhead State University and her Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Colorado.

"The Metro Denver EDC and its team go about their work with strength and determination. Their deep commitment to issues affecting business and economic development for all communities in Colorado is exemplified by the numerous businesses that have both moved and stayed in the state. It is this work that Exempla Healthcare supports and believes in. And personally it is one of my favorite boards to serve on because of the work, diversity of issues, and the people who care about making a real difference in Colorado."