Leaf Health Founder & CEO, Robert Shelley, Passes Away

LEANDER, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 21, 2025--

With profound sadness, Leaf Health announces the passing of our founder, CEO, and dear friend, Robert Shelley, after a courageous battle with cancer and its complications.

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For more than 30 years, Rob dedicated his career to improving access to and cost management of prescription drugs in the pharmacy benefits space. In 2017, he founded Leaf Health, driven by a vision to create a Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) consultancy that would provide innovative strategies to help health plan sponsors rein in the rising costs of prescription medications—without compromising the quality of care. Under his leadership, Leaf Health flourished, reflecting his expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rob was an avid runner, swimmer, and gifted storyteller. Whether addressing a room full of industry leaders or sharing tales from his latest travel adventure over lunch, he had a way with words that captivated and inspired those around him.

Leaf Health President and Rob’s wife of eight years—Tiffany Shelley shares a heartfelt tribute to the incredible person he was:

“ Rob was not only my partner in business—he was my partner in life. He was the most intelligent, driven, reliable, thoughtful, and genuinely kind person I have ever known. His passion for life was contagious, making every day something to look forward to. He was the kind of man, husband, father, friend, and confidant that most can only aspire to be. Leaf Health was Rob’s dream, and I know I speak for our entire team when I say we are committed to carrying that vision forward. What started as a seed has now blossomed into something beautiful, and only time will tell how tall it will grow.”

Please join us in keeping Tiffany and the entire Shelley family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

About Leaf Health

Leveraging more than three decades of industry experience, our team utilizes a high-touch, customer-focused approach to create and execute a customized plan that meets the unique needs of every client. Our primary goal at Leaf Health is to help our clients rein in the rising costs of prescription drugs by providing innovative, results-driven strategies for efficiently managing their pharmacy benefits in the most cost-effective way—without sacrificing patient care. We are your advocate. Learn more at leafhealth.net.

Robert Shelley, Founder and CEO, Leaf Health (Photo: Business Wire)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced Monday he is suspending his campaign for governor and instead joining the race for secretary of state of the battleground state.

Gilchrist, a progressive Democrat from Detroit, did not cite a specific reason for the change in his video announcement, but said he is not finished being a “public servant.” His departure clears up the Democratic primary and benefits the frontrunner, Jocelyn Benson, who is the current Secretary of State, in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The secretary of state is Michigan's top election official, a highly politicized and visible role since the 2020 presidential election.

“Michigan has been ground zero in the battle for free and fair elections before, and it will be again,” Gilchrist said.

As Whitmer’s second in command and her running mate in two elections, Gilchrist struggled to match Benson’s name recognition and fundraising. He reported having around $378,000 of cash on hand as of October compared to Benson’s $2.98 million.

Benson is now set to face only Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary in August.

The inclusion of a well-known independent candidate has created a new problem for Democrats this year. Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is avoiding costly primaries altogether by running as an independent. The Michigan Democratic Party slammed the former Democrat last week for not standing up to President Donald Trump’s second term policies.

In the Republican primary, U.S. Rep. John James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, state Senate Leader Aaric Nesbitt and former Michigan House speaker Tom Leonard are jockeying for the nomination.

In his bid to become secretary of state, Gilchrist will face four other Democrats: Barb Byrum, Ingham County clerk; Aghogho Edevbie, deputy secretary of state; Suzanna Shkreli, a former Whitmer aide and commissioner of the Michigan State Lottery; and Adam Hollier, a former state senator from Detroit.

Michigan does not hold primary elections for the secretary of state position; the nominee is chosen by precinct delegates during party conventions. The Michigan Democratic Party convention is scheduled for April 19.

State Republicans plan to hold their nominating convention March 28 and GOP figures chasing the party's nomination for secretary of state include Anthony Forlini, Macomb County Clerk, and Monica Yatooma, an Oakland County executive.

In addition to the office of the governor and secretary of state, Michigan voters will be selecting a new state attorney general and a U.S. senator in November.

FILE - Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II waits before the State of the State address, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, file)