Eric Schaefer

Eric Schaefer’s career is a powerful example of innovation, leadership and purpose-driven success. A 1991 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in finance and international business, Schaefer has gone on to become a trailblazer in the healthcare and payments technology space. 

As a co-founder of Advanced Business Fulfillment (ABF) in 1997, he helped revolutionize the way medical insurance companies reimburse providers and clients. That early innovation laid the foundation for a larger platform called RedCard Systems, which ultimately became Zelis, a venture-backed healthcare payments company now recognized as a unicorn in the innovation space — rivaling the growth of leading firms in medical tech and AI.

“Eric Schaefer embodies the spirit and values of UNI through his commitment to ethical capitalism, innovation, and mentorship,” said Leslie Wilson, recently retired dean of the UNI Wilson College of Business. “Like David Wilson, the naming donor of the Wilson College of Business, Eric believes in doing well by doing good — building businesses that succeed while upholding integrity and community impact. His story is one of bold vision, grounded values and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives.”

For more than two decades of dedicated involvement, Schaefer has championed student entrepreneurship at UNI through direct mentorship, keynote addresses and continuous engagement. Alongside his wife, Kelli, Eric provided vital financial support to name the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center’s Innovation Suite and launch new center programming. His leadership and personal investment in student founders ensure the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center continues to produce the next generation of business leaders. His investment of time and capital will continue to impact current and future UNI students for decades to come.

“Eric understands that the greatest impact of an investment in entrepreneurship is measured not simply in the businesses that are created, but in the students who gain the confidence, skills and support to pursue their ideas,” said Patrick Luensmann, director of the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. “Their generosity has helped create a space where UNI students can turn ideas into action, learn from experienced entrepreneurs, and see what is possible for their own futures. His impact will extend far beyond their time at UNI for our students, as they take away the ability to see a problem and find a creative solution to fix it."