CLAYTON (KMOX) -- The man who grew Centene into the nation's largest managed healthcare provider has died after a lengthy illness. Michael Neidorff was 79.
He went on medical leave as Executive Chairman in February and planned to retire at the end of this year. The company says Neidorff passed away Thursday surrounded by his family and friends.
Neidorff joined Centene in 1996. His successor, Sarah London, was named CEO just over a couple of weeks ago. A year earlier, she joined Neidorff as part of a three-member "Office of the President."
London released a statement to KMOX News calling Neidorff "a visionary leader in American healthcare. Today, the company he built provides healthcare for nearly 1 in 15 vulnerable Americans, and his life’s work has transformed the delivery of care in our country."
In the aftermath of racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, Neidorff led fundraising efforts to replace a burnt-out former QuikTrip with an Urban League facility. Neidorff also made the business case for Centene to construct a new support center in Ferguson -- and ensured employees' child care was included.
"Michael’s philanthropic impact on organizations such as the National Urban League will provide lasting blessings across America for years to come," London said.
Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. is also responding: "Michael was a leader who not only grew Centene into one of the world's leading companies, but was incredibly generous to the St. Louis community.
Neidorff was outspoken on issues of regional debate -- and how challenges here impacted his company's ability to attract workers to St. Louis versus other metro areas. He pledged funding for efforts like transit security.
"He was a true champion for people with disabilities and worked tirelessly to improve our metro and the lives of the people who live here," Hall said.
London adds: "On behalf of the 75,000 employees of Centene, I want to express our deepest condolences to Michael’s family and loved ones. Michael’s passion lives within the women and men of Centene, and his commitment to the mission of transforming the health of America’s most vulnerable citizens lives on."