Bio

Mike Milligan, MHA, has dedicated his career to collaborating with healthcare board members and c-suite leaders to build brands and volumes for healthcare systems, with specializations in brand integration, culture development, patient acquisition, employee recruitment and crisis communications. He has an affinity toward improving access to the underserved through his advocacy on Capitol Hill, speaking engagements, ongoing counsel, and his current role as a member of the National Rural Health Association’s (NRHA) Rural Health Congress.

In 2008, Mike founded his own healthcare marketing agency. It flourished under his guidance, along with his reputation as a national leader, speaker and expert in helping healthcare leaders navigate today’s evolving demands. In 2022, Mike sold his successful business and continues as a strategic marketing consultant.

Mike earned his B.A. in Journalism and Master of Health Administration (MHA), with a specialization in healthcare leadership. He has served as director, president and chair of dozens of industry associations, for-profit and non-profit boards throughout his career. Mike has served in senior communications roles for Advocate Aurora Health, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) and Novant Health.

Experience and Interests

Research Interests

• Emotional Intelligence
• Marketing Planning and Strategy
• Artificial Intelligence

Professional Experience

• Legato Healthcare Marketing – Founder/President, Green Bay, Wis. (2008-2024)

Presentations and Publications

Publications

• Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: Transformational Leadership, Chapter 3, (2024), Amazon.

Involvement

Community

• Commissioner – Legend Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District (2026-present)

Professional Memberships

• American Hospital Association
• American Marketing Association
• Society for Healthcare Strategy and Marketing Development (SHSMD)
• National Rural Health Association (NRHA)

Fun Facts

Favorite Quote?

“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” – Ronald Reagan

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Seeing students grow and become excited about the profession they’ve chosen.

A piece of advice for students in your school?

Ask questions, make mistakes and always think about the “why.”