Michael Castellano, chief executive officer, is leading Esse Health into its second decade of growth in a rapidly changing health care market. He joined the company in 2007 after seven years as executive director of Evans & Dixon, LLC, a law firm with offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Mo., and Leawood, Kan. He previously held financial positions with UniGroup Inc., Nooney Co. and Emerson Electric.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Castellano has successfully completed and executed strategic plans in a variety of businesses. He has experience in operations, strategic planning and analysis, human resources, information technology, risk management, accounting/finance, treasury management and marketing.

Castellano is a CPA and holds a master's degree in business administration from Saint Louis University and a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

He is a member of several professional and volunteer organizations, including the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants, Risk and Insurance Managers Society and Society of Human Resources. In addition, he is an officer for the St. Louis University High School Alumni Board of Directors. Castellano also volunteers for Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in fund raising activities, the St. Clare of Assisi Parish and is a White House Retreat House Trustee.