Washington – September 24, 2026 -- The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other health care purchasers, has elected Raquel Bono, MD, MBA, FACS, as its new Board Chair, marking the first time a surgeon has led the nonprofit's board.
Retired Navy Vice Admiral brings $50 billion health system oversight to Leapfrog's board
Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired three-star Vice Admiral in the U.S. Navy, where she served as the 11th Chief of the Navy Medical Corps. From 2015 to 2019, she directed the Defense Health Agency, overseeing integration of a $50 billion global health system serving millions of service members and their families.
Bono highlights new geriatric surgery recognition program with American College of Surgeons
"As a surgeon, I am especially excited about Leapfrog's new Recognized Leader in Geriatric Surgery program with the American College of Surgeons," Bono said, adding she looks forward to working with Leapfrog's management and board to drive patient safety improvements.
Leapfrog installs full slate of new officers alongside Bono
Laurel Pickering, MPH, President and CEO of Gateway Business Health Coalition and Missouri Health Value Collaborative, was named Vice Chair. John G. Zern, President and CEO of Ryan Specialty Benefits, becomes Treasurer, while Sally Welborn of Welborn Advisory Services takes the Secretary role. Janet Lucas-Taylor, Executive Director of Business Health Care Group, joins as an At-Large Member.
Two returning members rejoin Leapfrog's Board of Directors
Pickering, who previously led the Northeast Business Group on Health for more than 20 years and teaches health care quality and safety at Thomas Jefferson University, returns to the board. Dan Roble, an attorney with Cameron & Roble, LLP with 50 years of health care legal experience, also returns after previously serving as Leapfrog's General Counsel for 20 years.
CEO Leah Binder cites Bono's prior collaboration with Leapfrog on military health care quality
Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, said Bono's leadership at the Defense Health Agency produced measurable improvements in care quality for military personnel and their families through prior work with Leapfrog.