Andrew Hedgpeth is a numbers man. That’s a big asset in a big job. Hedgpeth oversees $100 million in benefits for the health system’s 10,000 employees and dependents. That’s in addition to administering over $700 million in retirement plan assets. But what he counts as one of his most significant accomplishments has a softer side. After two years of planning, he cut the ribbon on an employee store which provides essential services and daily living items such as diapers, basic food and over-the-counter medications at a significantly discounted price, improving staff quality of life and allowing the workforce to take home more pay.
What was your first job? I held seasonal-type jobs all through high school, but my first full-time job was as a ride attendant for Buzzsaw Falls at Silver Dollar City. I spent the summer evacuating guests off the 150’ lift with a harness – we learned roller coasters and water do not mix well.
What was your professional “aha” moment? Life balance – the day I realized work will always be here tomorrow even when I eek out a few extra hours of it today, but my time with my children and wife is precious and cannot be replaced.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? The ability to read minds.
How many times do you hit the snooze button in the morning? Not applicable – three kids ages 7 and under with circadian rhythms better than Swiss watch movements. I’m up at 5:50 a.m. each day.
