Dylan Papa Obituary: Senior Vice President of Commercial Growth at Zelis Dies in New York

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of Dylan Papa, esteemed Senior Vice President of Commercial Growth at Zelis Healthcare, based in New York City. Dylan, a dynamic leader with a passion for healthcare innovation and commercial excellence, passed away unexpectedly in late July 2025 at the age of 47.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in New Jersey, Dylan Papa demonstrated academic excellence early on, graduating summa cum laude from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He furthered his education by earning an MBA from the prestigious Columbia Business School, where he honed the strategic vision that would define his professional career.

Career at Zelis Healthcare

Dylan joined Zelis in 2018 and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his exceptional abilities in revenue strategy, team leadership, and market development. As Senior Vice President of Commercial Growth, he was instrumental in spearheading new initiatives that significantly boosted Zelis’ revenue and market presence. His strategic partnerships with major healthcare providers and payors expanded the company’s footprint nationwide. Under his guidance, Zelis achieved year-over-year growth and earned a reputation for operational excellence and innovative healthcare financing solutions.

Leadership, Innovation & Industry Impact

Known within the industry as a visionary and consensus builder, Dylan’s leadership extended well beyond commercial growth. He was a key spokesperson at major healthcare conferences, providing valuable insights into the future of healthcare payment systems and value-based care. His strategic direction helped Zelis lead pioneering efforts in cost transparency and patient-centric solutions, garnering attention from both tech and healthcare media.

Personal Life & Community Contributions

Dylan balanced his demanding career with a deep love for family and community. He was a devoted husband to wife Lauren Papa and a proud father of two young children, Ella and Noah. Outside of work, Dylan volunteered extensively through local NYC nonprofits focused on health equity and mental health awareness. His colleagues often recalled his warm mentorship, steadfast integrity, and unwavering commitment to both team success and client satisfaction.

Passing & Legacy

Dylan Papa passed away peacefully at his New York home on July 28, 2025, following a brief illness. His sudden departure has left a void at Zelis and within the broader healthcare community. Tributes have poured in from industry leaders, colleagues, and clients, all praising his professional brilliance and empathetic humanity.

In honor of Dylan’s legacy, Zelis Healthcare plans to establish the “Dylan Papa Memorial Scholarship Fund” to support MBA students pursuing careers in healthcare innovation and commercial strategy—reflecting Dylan’s belief in the power of visionary leadership to drive sector-wide change.

Funeral & Memorial Information

A private memorial service will be held in New York, with a public celebration of life to follow in early August. Details will be shared on the Zelis Healthcare website. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Healthcare Leadership Scholarship Fund at Columbia Business School or a mental health nonprofit of your choice.