Judith Faulkner
BIO:
- Name: Judith Faulkner
- Title/Position: Founder and CEO of Epic Systems
- Industry: Healthcare Technology
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Age: 81 - (11th of August 1943)
- Net Worth: Approximately $7.7 billion as of February 2025
Judith Faulkner’s Story
Judith “Judy” Faulkner’s journey from a basement startup to becoming a healthcare technology pioneer is nothing short of inspiring. Born to a pharmacist father and a mother active in social responsibility, Judy’s early life was all about healthcare and service. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Dickinson College and a master’s in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
In 1979, with a modest $70,000 investment from friends and family, Judy co-founded Human Services Computing in Madison, Wisconsin. Operating from a basement, she wrote the original code for what would become Epic Systems. Her vision was clear: to revolutionize medical record-keeping through innovative software solutions.
Over the years, Judy’s unwavering commitment to her ideals set Epic apart. She rejected outside investors, ensuring the company remained privately held and true to its mission. This bold approach allowed Epic to grow organically, and today, it manages the medical records of over 325 million people worldwide.
Career Highlights
Key Milestones:
- 1979: Co-founded Human Services Computing, later rebranded as Epic Systems.
- 2013: Recognized by Forbes as the “most powerful woman in healthcare.”
- 2015: Signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate 99% of her assets to philanthropy.
Achievements:
- Epic Systems: Under Judy’s leadership, Epic became a leader in healthcare software, serving top medical centers like Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic.
- Philanthropy: In 2019, Judy and her husband, Dr. Gordon Faulkner, established the Roots & Wings Foundation, supporting nonprofits that assist low-income children and families.
Judy Faulkner’s Net Worth
Judy’s substantial wealth stems from her majority ownership of Epic Systems. As of February 2025, her net worth is estimated at $7.7 billion. This fortune is a testament to her innovative vision and steadfast dedication to improving healthcare through technology.
Judy Faulkner in the News
- December 2024: Featured in a Yahoo Finance article highlighting her journey from a $70,000 startup to a $7 billion enterprise.
- 2023: Ranked as the 55th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.
Quotes by Judy Faulkner
“One of the things that made Epic strong when I wrote the original code was that it never occurred to me to do anything other than put the patient at the center. I developed a clinical system at a time when the health care world had pretty much only billing and lab systems available.”
“Math is truth and computer science is what works. It’s great to put them together because you need both.”
FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Judy Faulkner
What is Judy Faulkner’s net worth?
As of February 2025, Judy Faulkner’s net worth is approximately $7.7 billion.
How did Judy Faulkner become successful?
Judy’s success is attributed to her innovative approach to healthcare technology, founding Epic Systems, and maintaining control by avoiding external investors.
What are Judy Faulkner’s key achievements?
Key achievements include founding Epic Systems, leading it to become a global leader in healthcare software, and her philanthropic efforts through the Roots & Wings Foundation.
Who is Judy Faulkner’s husband?
Judy Faulkner is married to Dr. Gordon Faulkner, a pediatrician, and they have three children.
