Runnell is one of the few pioneers of the growth and business development models with- in value-based care (VBC) models across the country. Shortly after completing his course work in academia for his PhD at the University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign, Runnell took an opportunity in the growth department for Oak Street Health in their early launch stages in 2014. During his three years at Oak Street as Clinical Operations Director, Runnell was responsible for clinical outcomes and growth, for five medical offices in the Chicagoland area. Runnell always had a passion for teaching in the professoriate, so for ten years, Runnell taught Public Health 101 at UIUC, and published two academic articles along with colleagues and his academic advisor, Dr. Jan. Scan barcode for other publications. Runnell also lead business development initiatives for major Health Systems in Chicago, such as Sinai Health and Holy Cross Hospitals. Before joining Gather Health Primary Care, Runnell was employed by Chenmed, also a nationally recognized VBC model focused on older adults, to increase patient acquisition. With sales being the forefront of his expertise, Runnell has managed and taught over 1,000 sales teams to reach their goals and master the skill of direct-to-consumer sales, as well as business to business sales in healthcare. Who said you can’t love your W2 Job and be an entrepreneur? Married in 2014, baby in 2014, divorced in 2016, Runnell had other plans while working his dream job. It was time to turn up! He created a business with him and his daughter, started a youtube channel for her, launched her own lipgloss line, clothing line, wrote a book, started a real estate venture, did motivational speaking gigs, created programs to uplift downtrodden community members and traveled the world with her for business retreats. Runnell and Mia have owned 5 properties, sold 3 and currently own 2 in multiple states. Their business was pleasure, and pleasure was business. Runnell figured out a way to make his business, his life.   Born in Chicago, Illinois, raised in Clarksville, Tennessee, and Germany as a military dependent, Runnell serves our country in the Air National Guard as a First Lieutenant- Public Health Officer. He currently resides in Chicago with his lovely daughter, Mia and his Fiancé, Maria.