The head of eHealth, an online independent health insurance advisor, will kick off the second year of the Fletcher Lecture Series at Hardin-Simmons University.

Derrick Duke, chief executive officer and member of the board of directors of eHealth since September 2025, will present the first lecture of the fall semester at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 8 in the Houston-Lantrip Center, located at 2241 Pine St. The lectures are free, but registration is required. Deadline to register is Aug. 31. Click here to register. 

A promotional email from Hardin-Simmons says the following:

“The Fletcher Lecture Series at Hardin-Simmons University brings nationally recognized leaders to campus to explore big ideas at the intersection of business, science, faith, and public life. Designed to spark meaningful dialogue, each event connects students, faculty, and the broader West Texas community with thought leaders who shape our world.

Named for former HSU president Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher, the series honors his legacy of intellectual curiosity and faith-driven leadership. It reinforces our university’s mission to equip students with both professional insight and enduring values.”

The next speaker in the series will be Brad Winges, president and CEO of Hilltop Securities, Inc. His presentation will begin at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 29 in the Houston-Lantrip Center. Deadline to register is Sept. 21. 

The Sept. 8 speaker, Derrick Duke, has spent more than 30 years in the health insurance industry. Before joining eHealth in 2025, Duke was chief executive officer of Magellan Health, a national healthcare management organization and subsidiary of Centene Corporation. Prior to Magellan, Duke spent nearly 16 years at HealthMarkets, one of the largest U.S. health insurance agencies, where he held senior leadership positions including chiefs investment officer, chief financial officer, and chief operating officer. He played a key role in guiding HealthMarkets through its acquisition by UnitedHealth Group.