In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Maeghan Sulham, COO of DataSpring powered by CAQH, to explore what it's like to build culture at a healthcare data company operating behind the scenes of nearly every provider search and insurance claim in the country.
Maeghan shares the unusual origin story behind DataSpring — a 25-year-old nonprofit collaboration among health plans now transforming into a shareholder-owned company — and how she was recruited right at that pivot point to help build the culture and talent strategy for what would become this new organization. The conversation dives into how her role has expanded from CHRO to COO, taking on facilities, project management, and marketing along the way, and how DataSpring's remote-first structure is paired with deeply intentional in-person gatherings.
The episode also covers DataSpring's standout 401(k) match, its three-pillar approach to company-wide professional development, and an honest reflection on the tension between a legacy organization's earned trust and the urgency required to keep pace as it scales.
What You'll Learn
How DataSpring's data powers everyday healthcare experiences, from provider directories to claims processing
Why DataSpring transitioned from a 25-year-old nonprofit into a shareholder-owned company
How a Chief People Officer role evolved into a broader COO role encompassing facilities, marketing, and project management
What makes DataSpring's annual company-wide retreat function as a genuine engagement strategy, not just a perk
How the company built a three-pillar professional development approach, including SBI feedback training for all people leaders
Why candidates should focus on demonstrating impact and thinking, not just reciting past experience
Company Highlights
Industry: Healthcare data and technology (provider/member data management)
Customer Base: Health plans and healthcare providers relying on accurate credentialing, directory, and roster data
Company Stage: Rooted in a 25-year-old organization (CAQH), now transforming into DataSpring; ~150 employees, fully remote with hubs in Washington, DC and Louisville, KY
Culture: Mission-driven, highly collaborative, and increasingly ambitious as it scales
Focus Areas: Data quality and product innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and intentional in-person connection
Unique Perks & Programs
Generous 401(k) Match: A 3% safe harbor contribution plus up to a 6% match — up to 9% total, fully vested immediately
Annual Company-Wide Retreat: A multi-day, all-employee offsite (most recently in New Orleans) featuring cross-functional collaboration, a product expo, and a professionally hired comedian emcee
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 toward degree or certification programs after six months of tenure
Flexible Development Allowance: A cash stipend employees can use toward professional development of their choosing, with People and Culture support in identifying the right fit
Company-Wide DISC and SBI Training: Shared assessments and feedback frameworks rolled out to improve communication and performance management
Two Physical Hub Offices: Intentional spaces in DC and Louisville supporting in-person collaboration within a remote-first model
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