Brian David Vandenberg

It is with heartbreaking sadness that the Vandenberg family announces the passing of Brian David Vandenberg, 63, of Jackson Hole, WY, and formerly of Chicago and Lake Forest, IL, on March 20, 2025.

Brian was born in Kaukauna, WI, on December 2, 1961, to Kay (née Killian) and the late Lyle Vandenberg. He graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1980, the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse in 1984, and earned his JD from DePaul University College of Law in 1987. But DePaul gave him more than a law degree – it was there that he met his beloved wife, Jamie (née Zenner) Vandenberg. She would "magically appear" outside of Brian's classes until he noticed her, eventually capturing his heart. They married in 1987 and together built a life in Lake Forest. They shared 37 extraordinary years of marriage, and with Jamie by his side, Brian became the cherished father of Cody (Monika) Vandenberg, Mykel (Aristothomas) Nicholson, and Tyler (Hannah) Vandenberg. Cody's 7-month-old son, Leo Vandenberg, was Brian's first grandchild – and his absolute pride and joy.

The power of family gave Brian the foundation for his life's work, both as a lawyer and as a visionary in the healthcare industry. From 1991 to 1999, he practiced law at his private firm, Rosenblum & Vandenberg. He then turned his attention to transforming the healthcare landscape. At Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, he helped reimagine the way prescriptions were processed and delivered. As General Counsel at Livongo, he focused on helping people with chronic conditions live happier, healthier lives. From 2017 to 2022, Brian served as SVP and General Counsel at the American Medical Association (AMA), the largest association of physicians and medical students in the United States. Most recently, in 2022, he joined the executive team at Homeward, a healthcare platform rearchitecting the delivery of health and care in partnership with communities everywhere, beginning in rural America.

Brian's passion and philanthropic spirit spanned numerous areas of impact. His empathy was limitless, and he made meaningful change in the world. Brian never sat back and watched the world go by – he always chose to participate.

From the start, Brian had a deep love for athletics – particularly track and field. Throughout his high school and college career, he competed in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump, and went on to manage track athletes on an international stage, founding the Track & Field Association in 1997 – an organization that elevated the prominence of U.S. track athletes and created wide visibility for the sport he so loved. He was also an avid cyclist, riding along the Chicago lakeshore with friends and loved ones, admiring the vibrant murals, culture, and architecture. Come autumn, his love of sport extended to football, where he was known to make regular trips to Lambeau Field as a devoted Packers fan.

This same devotion to athletics was reflected in his unwavering commitment to vital equity and inclusion initiatives. The Vandenberg Health Equity Fund supports five economic scholarships, pledging over $700,000 to the AMA Foundation's Physicians of Tomorrow scholarship program. In 2023, in memory of his father, Brian also established the Lyle L. Vandenberg Rural Health Scholarship, awarded annually to students in the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Nursing, or Pharmacy who demonstrate a commitment to improving healthcare access and reducing disparities in small towns and rural communities. For Breakthrough T1D, he was instrumental in recruiting riders from Livongo, AMA, and Homeward to fundraise and participate in cycling events to help fight Type 1 diabetes.

Brian also cultivated a lifelong connection to the arts, serving on the Board of Directors for Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly the Chicago Children's Choir) for 15 years, inspired by their mission to change lives through music, which he deeply appreciated. For Brian, music made everything better – inspiring, uplifting, and calming him. Alongside his son, Cody, and former AMA friends and colleagues, Brian co-founded a film production company, Truthlight Studio, which emphasizes stories and projects centered on health equity.

Above all, Brian's family was his everything. Cody, Mykel, and Tyler describe him as "a deep listener – ever-present, selfless, empathetic, witty, and wise" – and in every way possible, they will miss him deeply. In addition to his wife, Jamie, and their immediate family, Brian is survived by his mother, Kay Vandenberg; siblings Kyle Brush, Jill (Jonathan) Jest, Amy (Jeff) Pricco, and Sara Penick; his brothers-in-law Brad (Shari) Zenner and Craig (the late Jenny) Zenner; and his loving nieces and nephews. He was also a wonderful son-in-law to his late in-laws, Merrill and Barbara Zenner.

The Vandenberg family is planning a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. CDT at the Chicago Cultural Center (Preston Bradley Hall), 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Brian to the Vandenberg Health Equity Fund (AMA) and/or Uniting Voices Chicago:

The Vandenberg Health Equity Fund (AMA) –

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/5cr6/n?vid=1ijla6

Uniting Voices –

https://www.classy.org/give/339277/#!/donation/checkout