Empowering Northeast Ohio: WellLink and ecfirst Launch Cybersecurity & AI Risk Training Initiative
Risk Challenges Present Resilience Opportunities
CLEVELAND, OH — WellLink, a leading advocate for health and community well-being, has partnered with ecfirst, a globally recognized authority in regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and AI risk management, to expand access to critical professional development resources in Northeast Ohio. This collaboration will deliver ecfirst’s expert-led training and certification programs, covering essential topics such as cybersecurity, risk management, and artificial intelligence, to professionals and emerging practitioners throughout the region.
This initiative aligns with WellLink’s broader mission to build healthier, more resilient communities by creating accessible pathways to high-demand career opportunities that bolster the region’s workforce and drive long-term economic vitality.
“Partnering with ecfirst aligns perfectly with WellLink’s goal to bring innovative opportunities to our region,” said Brian Lane, President & CEO of WellLink. “This collaboration allows us to offer valuable training programs in cybersecurity and AI risk management right here in Northeast Ohio, supporting both organizational readiness and individual career growth. It is a tangible extension of our mission to support and empower the communities we serve.”
ecfirst’s programs extend well beyond Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance, tackling today’s most urgent challenges, including cybersecurity threats, AI risk management, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Designed to turn risk into resilience, these offerings equip organizations to address AI- and cyber-related vulnerabilities through frameworks grounded in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidance and global regulatory standards.
ecfirst’s programs will feature certification tracks, hands-on workshops, and continuously updated resources tailored to meet the demands of today’s fast-evolving risk landscape. As the need for skilled professionals in information security and regulatory compliance continues to rise, this initiative positions Northeast Ohio’s organizations and workforce to stay ahead of emerging challenges.
“The future is AI, and the more informed and prepared organizations and professionals are to meet its challenges, the better positioned they’ll be to seize emerging opportunities,” said Ali Pabrai, CEO of ecfirst. “We are thrilled about our alliance with WellLink, an innovative, community-focused organization committed to meaningful impact.”
Courses will be available both virtually and through select in-person opportunities in the coming months.
Learn more about the landscape of cybersecurity, including the current state of AI risk management in healthcare, the importance of protecting against cyber threats and ransomware disruptions, and how compliance is about more than just HIPAA through an engaging on-demand webinar featuring a conversation between WellLink’s Brian Lane and ecfirst’s Ali Pabrai.
About WellLink
Founded in 1914, WellLink has a rich history as the nation’s first regional hospital association. Convening 37 hospitals and healthcare organizations with community partners across 10 counties in Northeast Ohio, WellLink is committed to advancing total well-being by connecting people, organizations, and resources across the healthcare, economic, and social sectors. Formerly known as The Center for Health Affairs and CHAMPS Group Purchasing, WellLink brings together advocacy, education, group purchasing, and community impact under one unified mission. Through its three divisions — WellLink Health Alliance, WellLink Group Purchasing, and WellLink Innovations — the organization serves hospitals, businesses, and communities with innovative solutions that promote better health, greater opportunity, and stronger, more connected systems of care. Learn more at www.WellLinkCommunity.com.
About ecfirst
Founded in 1999, ecfirst is a leading provider of AI, cyber defense, and compliance services across the United States and globally. ecfirst delivers end-to-end services in the areas of HITRUST, CMMC Certification, Training, Readiness, and Assessment, as well as HIPAA, NIST, Privacy, Penetration Testing, and AI (ISO 42001 and NIST AI RMF). With ecfirst, you, the client, always have complete flexibility with our fixed-fee services across our On-Demand Consulting and the customized Managed Compliance Services Program. Complimentary with every engagement comes the ecfirst experience of delivering thousands of assessments, ensuring you receive deep industry insight as well as best practices implemented. ecfirst is a HITRUST Authorized External Assessor, a CMMC Authorized C3PAO, APP, ATP, and RPO, and has established industry-leading credentials in training, including CHP, CSCS, CCSA, and the latest aiCRP programs. More information is at www.ecfirst.com and www.ecfirst.biz.
