Benedictine Executive and Leadership Team

Lee Larson, the Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire health system. Larson architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the organization maintains its Catholic, mission-directed identity across all skilled nursing and assisted living communities. By aligning clinical outcomes with operational excellence, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of high-quality care for aging adults throughout the upper Midwest. Larson collaborates with the Board to secure the financial health of the system, prioritizing investments in rehabilitation and memory care services. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to expand the reach of home health care and transitional services. Through rigorous oversight of regional operations, Lee Larson drives the mission forward, ensuring that every facility meets the highest standards of service delivery and resident satisfaction within the competitive health services landscape.

Judy Hulst, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator at Benedictine, manages the daily operational functions of specific senior living communities. Hulst executes facility-level strategies that prioritize resident wellness and staff retention within the upper Midwest market. By overseeing the integration of therapy and rehabilitation services, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator ensures that clinical care remains consistent with the broader mission of the organization. Hulst monitors key performance indicators to optimize resource allocation and improve service efficiency across assisted living units. This role requires constant coordination with regional leadership to implement standardized care protocols. Through the direct supervision of facility staff and the management of daily administrative workflows, Judy Hulst maintains the operational integrity of the community, ultimately supporting the system-wide goal of providing exceptional housing and health services to aging populations.

Barb Wessberg, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator at Benedictine, focuses on the expansion and optimization of independent living services. Wessberg drives initiatives that enhance the resident experience by integrating modern health technology into daily living environments. As the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator, Wessberg oversees the implementation of specialized memory care programs, ensuring that clinical staff receive the necessary training to support complex resident needs. This leadership position involves managing local budgets and facility maintenance to ensure long-term sustainability. By fostering strong relationships with families and community stakeholders, Wessberg strengthens the market position of the organization within the upper Midwest. Through the meticulous management of daily operations and the strategic development of new service lines, Barb Wessberg ensures that the facility remains a premier destination for aging adults seeking high-quality, mission-driven care.

Emmalene Tretter, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator at Benedictine, leads the operational delivery of transitional care and rehabilitation services. Tretter architects programs that facilitate smooth transitions for patients moving from acute hospital settings to long-term care environments. The Chief Executive Officer & Administrator monitors clinical quality metrics to ensure compliance with state and federal health standards. By coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, Tretter optimizes the delivery of therapy services to improve patient recovery outcomes. This role involves managing the facility workforce and ensuring that staffing levels align with the needs of the resident population. Through the effective oversight of daily administrative tasks and the implementation of strategic care initiatives, Emmalene Tretter supports the broader mission of the organization, ensuring that every patient receives compassionate, high-quality care throughout the recovery process.

Jerry Carley, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, directs the high-level corporate strategy and organizational growth of the entire health system. Carley architects the expansion of services across the upper Midwest, focusing on the integration of new health and housing models. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Carley ensures that all business units remain aligned with the core mission of providing compassionate care to aging adults. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board to set financial targets and long-term operational goals. By fostering innovation in home health care and adult day services, Carley drives the organization toward greater market impact. Through the strategic management of executive teams and the oversight of system-wide performance, Jerry Carley secures the future of the organization, ensuring that the system continues to meet the evolving needs of the aging population.

Len Meysembourg, the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, oversees the operational management of skilled nursing facilities. Meysembourg executes strategies that improve clinical outcomes and resident safety within the upper Midwest region. As the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer, Meysembourg manages the daily administrative functions, including budget oversight and staff development. This role involves ensuring that all facility operations comply with rigorous health care regulations while maintaining a mission-driven environment. By optimizing the delivery of rehabilitation and nursing services, Meysembourg enhances the quality of life for residents. Through the direct supervision of facility departments and the implementation of operational efficiencies, Len Meysembourg ensures that the community remains a leader in providing high-quality care, ultimately contributing to the overall success and reputation of the entire health system.

Lu Westhoff, the Chief Executive Officer Nazareth Living Center at Benedictine, directs the specialized operations of the Nazareth Living Center. Westhoff architects programs that cater to the unique needs of residents, focusing on holistic health and community engagement. As the Chief Executive Officer Nazareth Living Center, Westhoff manages the facility's daily operations, ensuring that all services align with the mission of the organization. This role involves overseeing the integration of memory care and assisted living services to provide a seamless experience for aging adults. By fostering a supportive environment for residents and staff, Westhoff drives the facility toward excellence in care delivery. Through the strategic management of resources and the implementation of community-focused initiatives, Lu Westhoff ensures that the center remains a vital part of the health system, providing exceptional care and support to the local population.

Linda Odergaard, the Chief Financial Officer at Benedictine, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Odergaard architects robust financial models that support the expansion of health and housing services across the upper Midwest. As the Chief Financial Officer, Odergaard oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and capital allocation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system. This role involves managing the financial risks associated with health care delivery and ensuring compliance with fiscal regulations. By optimizing revenue cycles and controlling operational costs, Odergaard drives the financial performance of the organization. Through the strategic management of financial assets and the provision of data-driven insights to the executive team, Linda Odergaard supports the mission of the organization, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to provide high-quality care to aging adults.

Kevin Rymanowski, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Benedictine, directs the financial planning and investment strategies for the health system. Rymanowski architects long-term financial growth plans that enable the organization to invest in new rehabilitation and memory care technologies. As the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Rymanowski oversees the financial health of the system, ensuring that all investments align with the mission of providing compassionate care. This role involves managing complex financial portfolios and coordinating with the Board to secure funding for future projects. By analyzing market trends and financial data, Rymanowski drives the strategic decision-making process. Through the meticulous management of financial operations and the implementation of fiscal controls, Kevin Rymanowski ensures the stability and growth of the organization, ultimately supporting the delivery of high-quality services to aging adults throughout the upper Midwest.

Randal Erickson, the Chief Operating Officer at Benedictine, directs the operational infrastructure of the entire health system. Erickson architects scalable processes that streamline the delivery of health and housing services across the upper Midwest. As the Chief Operating Officer, Erickson oversees the coordination between various facilities, ensuring that operational standards remain consistent and efficient. This role involves managing supply chain logistics and facility management to support the clinical teams. By optimizing internal workflows, Erickson drives the organization toward greater productivity and cost-effectiveness. Through the strategic alignment of operational resources with the mission of the organization, Erickson ensures that all communities have the support necessary to provide high-quality care. Randal Erickson monitors system-wide performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, ultimately strengthening the operational foundation of the entire health system.