John Bertolini

John Bertolini is a highly esteemed scholar, professor and author of several books. His most recent publication, The Playwrighting Self of Bernard Shaw: A Critical Assessment, offers an in-depth examination of the celebrated dramatist.

Throughout his life, he instilled hope and inspiration in youth to pursue their goals and make a positive impact on their community. As part of that legacy, he established a scholarship fund that is available to graduates of Haddam, Haddam Neck and Killingworth high schools.

Early Life and Education

John Bertolini was born and raised in the Bronx and attended Tonbridge High School before attending King’s College, Cambridge to study history and classics.

One of his favorite hobbies was writing. He created several short stories and poems as well as a book, some of which were published.

He had an entrepreneurial spirit, founding a t-shirt company in the 90s and becoming an avid skier. Additionally, he founded a charitable organization to provide medical care to those in need in his hometown of Bridgeton, New Jersey. Additionally, his good listening skills will be missed by family and friends; perhaps the best way to remember him is by following in his footsteps.

Professional Career

Bertolini served in the Air Force and earned a diploma from the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Currently, he works for ARCHANGEL AIRBORNE’s Medical Corps as a physician leader and frontline field provider.

At DDB Remedy, the healthcare and pharma marketing agency within the DDB Group, managing director John Bertolini says they’re always on the lookout for creative opportunities. Although he acknowledges that this industry “isn’t often perceived as being particularly creative,” he believes it to be more important than ever today.

John Bertolini is proud of his many accomplishments, which include being named to Suffield High School’s All-State ice hockey team three consecutive years and joining Class M soccer. As a senior, he earned the title of state champion and was included in the esteemed Connecticut-Rhode Island All Star Game.

Achievements and Honors

John Bertolini achieved four-year state championship success at Suffield High School, excelling in two sports: ice hockey (where he was named the team’s best defenseman for three consecutive years) and earning Journal Inquirer All-Area 1st Team and Division I All-State recognition (two third teams and one second).

He lettered in soccer for three years and earned selection to the NCCC All-Conference, JI All-Area 1st Teams, and Class M All-State Team as a senior. Additionally, he served as captain and MVP on his team during their undefeated season as senior captain and MVP.

Personal Life

John Bertolini is a retired tool maker and designer from Jersey City, New Jersey and the son of Biagio and Antoinette (nee: Palo) Bertolini. A proud Army veteran, John served his country during the Korean War.

He was an outstanding soccer and hockey player throughout high school, competing four years and reaching the Division II state finals in both sports.

At present, he serves as Ellis Professor of the Liberal Arts at Middlebury College and sits on the Board of Directors for Kolbe Academy, an education company.

Net Worth

Forbes ranks Bertolini as the 59th wealthiest person in America, with a net worth of $180 million.

He has served as CEO and chairman of Aetna, America’s largest health insurance company, since 2010. Throughout his tenure at the company, he has made several daring decisions.

One recent initiative was Aetna’s decision to raise the wages of their lowest-paid employees by 33 percent, citing inequality as one of its driving issues.

Bertolini is renowned for his dedication to preventive medicine. After using yoga to recover from a skiing accident, he introduced it to Aetna employees and eventually customers – leading him to believe that this has reduced healthcare costs at the company by 3 percent.