Blue Zones Names Former Baptist Health CEO Brett McClung as Leader

McClung arrives at the longevity research firm after a career spent navigating both the clinical and administrative sides of the industry. His previous tenure as President and CEO of Baptist Health in Jacksonville saw him championing the Blue Zones Project, a background that founder Dan Buettner cited as critical for the organization’s future. Before his time in Florida, McClung served as an executive at Texas Health Resources, where he similarly oversaw the integration of Blue Zones programs in Fort Worth.

Following his departure from Baptist Health, McClung spent time as a Fellow at Stanford University’s Distinguished Careers Institute. During this period, he pivoted his focus toward the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and population health, aiming to bridge the gap between clinical outcomes and community design. This experience complements his history as an American Marshall Fellow, where he studied international health delivery models.

McClung succeeds Ben Leedle, who led the company for nine years and will now focus on strategic growth and partnerships. Scott Marcus, who acted as interim president following Leedle’s transition last May, will return his full attention to his role as CEO of Blue Zones Kitchen. The company confirmed that its ongoing research, directed by Dan Buettner, remains unaffected by the leadership change.