Benedictine Executive and Leadership Team

Lee Larson, the Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire health system. Larson oversees the integration of skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities throughout the upper Midwest. By aligning organizational goals with the mission of providing high-quality care for aging adults, the Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence across all service lines. Larson manages high-level relationships with the Board to maintain financial sustainability and mission fidelity. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends in rehabilitation and memory care to adapt service delivery models. Through rigorous oversight of regional health initiatives, Lee Larson drives the expansion of home health care and transitional services. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the organization while fostering a culture of compassionate, faith-based service for the elderly population.

Len Meysembourg, the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, manages the daily operational workflows and regulatory compliance for specific care facilities. Meysembourg directs the implementation of clinical standards within skilled nursing and assisted living environments to ensure optimal resident outcomes. The Administrator and Chief Executive Officer coordinates with department heads to streamline rehabilitation and therapy services, enhancing the efficiency of care delivery. By monitoring facility-level performance metrics, Len Meysembourg identifies opportunities for process improvement and resource allocation. This role requires constant interaction with local health authorities to maintain licensure and quality benchmarks. Through the application of rigorous administrative protocols, Meysembourg supports the broader mission of the health system. Ultimately, the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer maintains the highest standards of safety and resident satisfaction within the assigned care communities.

Lu Westhoff, the Chief Executive Officer Nazareth Living Center at Benedictine, directs the specialized operations of the Nazareth Living Center. Westhoff oversees the delivery of memory care and independent living services, ensuring alignment with the broader organizational mission. The Chief Executive Officer Nazareth Living Center manages the facility staff to maintain high standards of resident engagement and clinical support. By optimizing the operational budget and resource distribution, Westhoff enhances the quality of life for all residents within the center. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional directors to implement system-wide health initiatives. Lu Westhoff drives the development of community-based programs that support aging adults in their transition to assisted living. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer Nazareth Living Center ensures the facility remains a premier destination for compassionate care and comprehensive health services in the upper Midwest.

Emmalene Tretter, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator at Benedictine, manages the dual responsibilities of strategic leadership and facility-level administration. Tretter directs the execution of health services, including adult day care and rehabilitation, to meet the needs of the aging population. The Chief Executive Officer & Administrator oversees the daily management of staff and resources, ensuring that all clinical protocols adhere to system-wide quality standards. By fostering a collaborative environment, Emmalene Tretter aligns facility operations with the long-term growth objectives of the organization. This role involves constant engagement with families and residents to ensure the delivery of personalized care. Through the effective management of operational workflows, Tretter supports the expansion of service offerings across the region. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator maintains the operational integrity and mission-driven focus of the facility.

Jerry Carley, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, directs the comprehensive growth strategy and mission-based initiatives for the entire health system. Carley oversees the expansion of housing and health services across the upper Midwest, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in elderly care. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages the executive team to drive innovation in memory care, rehabilitation, and home health services. By engaging with the Board and external stakeholders, Jerry Carley secures the resources necessary for long-term sustainability and facility development. This leadership role involves setting the cultural tone for the organization, emphasizing compassionate service and operational excellence. Through the strategic oversight of all business units, Carley ensures that the system meets the evolving needs of aging adults. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the overall success and mission impact of the organization.

Kevin Rymanowski, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Benedictine, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Rymanowski oversees the budgeting, financial reporting, and capital allocation processes that support the system's mission. The Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer manages the financial risks associated with operating skilled nursing and assisted living communities across the upper Midwest. By analyzing revenue streams from therapy, rehabilitation, and home health services, Rymanowski provides the insights necessary for strategic decision-making. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to ensure that financial resources are directed toward high-impact initiatives. Through the rigorous management of the balance sheet, Kevin Rymanowski drives the long-term financial stability of the health system. Ultimately, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the fiscal foundation required to provide compassionate care.

Randal Erickson, the Chief Operating Officer at Benedictine, directs the internal scaling and operational efficiency of the health system. Erickson oversees the standardization of processes across all skilled nursing and assisted living communities to ensure consistent service quality. The Chief Operating Officer manages the logistical aspects of rehabilitation and therapy services, optimizing resource utilization to support clinical teams. By implementing data-driven performance metrics, Randal Erickson identifies bottlenecks in service delivery and executes solutions to improve operational throughput. This leadership role involves close collaboration with facility administrators to align daily activities with the broader organizational strategy. Through the management of regional operations, Erickson drives the efficiency of the entire health system. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all facilities operate at peak performance to provide high-quality care for aging adults.

Anneliese Peterson, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP at Benedictine, directs the strategic development of supply chain logistics and facility infrastructure. Peterson oversees the integration of new technologies into the health and housing services to enhance resident care. The Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP manages the capital expenditure projects, ensuring that all physical environments meet the highest standards for safety and comfort. By coordinating with the executive team, Anneliese Peterson aligns operational infrastructure with the long-term growth goals of the organization. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that span multiple states in the upper Midwest. Through the optimization of operational systems, Peterson drives the overall effectiveness of the health system. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP ensures that the organization maintains a robust and scalable foundation for delivering comprehensive care.

Jim Gajewski, the President at Benedictine, directs the external partnerships and market positioning of the health system. Gajewski oversees the development of community relations and strategic alliances that expand the reach of the organization's health and housing services. The President manages the brand identity and public engagement efforts to ensure that the mission of the system is clearly communicated to stakeholders. By identifying new market opportunities for memory care and transitional services, Jim Gajewski drives the growth of the organization across the upper Midwest. This leadership role involves working with the executive team to align external initiatives with internal operational goals. Through the cultivation of key relationships, Gajewski supports the overall mission of providing high-quality care for aging adults. Ultimately, the President ensures that the organization maintains a strong and positive presence in the communities served.