Benedictine Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Benedictine has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to compassionate care, Benedictine is dedicated to providing comprehensive health and housing services to aging adults across the upper Midwest, upholding a strong Catholic mission.

Leadership Roles at Benedictine

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lee Larson
  • Administrator and Chief Executive Officer - Len Meysembourg
  • Administrator Chief Executive Officer - Peter Leer
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jerry Carley Carley
  • Chief Executive Officer & Administrator - Christine Kerns
  • Chief Executive Officer & Administrator - Emmalene Tretter
  • Chief Executive Officer & Administrator - Judith Hulst
  • Chief Executive Officer & Administrator - Barbara Wessberg
  • Chief Financial Officer - Linda Odergaard
  • Regional Chief Financial Officer - Ronald Frei
  • Lee Larson - Chief Executive Officer

    Lee Larson, the Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the health system. This leadership role involves guiding Benedictine's mission-driven approach to elder care, ensuring the delivery of high-quality skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living services. Larson oversees the expansion and integration of therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health care programs across the upper Midwest. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including residents, families, staff, and community partners, to advance the organization's goals. By focusing on sustainable growth and operational excellence, Lee Larson ensures Benedictine remains a trusted provider of comprehensive services for aging adults, maintaining the organization's commitment to its Catholic values and community impact.

    Len Meysembourg - Administrator and Chief Executive Officer

    Len Meysembourg, the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, manages the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the health system's extensive network. This dual role requires a deep understanding of both administrative functions and executive leadership, ensuring seamless service delivery across skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities. Meysembourg is responsible for implementing innovative care models, including therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health services, tailored to the needs of aging adults. The Administrator and Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency and regulatory compliance throughout the upper Midwest operations. By championing the organization's Catholic mission, Len Meysembourg ensures that Benedictine consistently provides compassionate and high-quality care, reinforcing its position as a leading provider in the elder care sector.

    Peter Leer - Administrator Chief Executive Officer

    Peter Leer, the Administrator Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, spearheads the strategic initiatives and operational management of the health system's diverse service offerings. This leadership position involves overseeing the provision of skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities, alongside specialized services such as therapy, rehabilitation, and memory care. Leer is instrumental in ensuring that Benedictine's operations across the upper Midwest align with its core Catholic mission and commitment to aging adults. The Administrator Chief Executive Officer focuses on enhancing the quality of care, fostering a supportive environment for residents and staff, and driving organizational growth. Through strategic oversight and a dedication to service excellence, Peter Leer ensures Benedictine continues to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

    Jerry Carley Carley - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jerry Carley Carley, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Benedictine, leads the organization's strategic vision and overall governance, ensuring alignment with its Catholic mission. This executive role encompasses the direction of all health and housing services provided to aging adults, including skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities. Carley oversees the expansion and integration of critical services such as therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health care across the upper Midwest. The President & Chief Executive Officer is responsible for fostering a culture of excellence, driving financial sustainability, and maintaining Benedictine's reputation as a premier provider of elder care. By championing innovation and compassionate service, Jerry Carley Carley guides Benedictine in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those it serves.

    Christine Kerns - Chief Executive Officer & Administrator

    Christine Kerns, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator at Benedictine, directs the comprehensive operational and strategic management of the health system's elder care services. This pivotal role involves overseeing the delivery of skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities, ensuring adherence to Benedictine's mission-driven values. Kerns is responsible for the effective implementation of specialized programs, including therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health care, across the upper Midwest. The Chief Executive Officer & Administrator focuses on enhancing resident well-being, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance. By leading with a commitment to compassionate care and service excellence, Christine Kerns drives Benedictine's continued success in supporting aging adults and their families.

    Emmalene Tretter - Chief Executive Officer & Administrator

    Emmalene Tretter, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator at Benedictine, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight of the health system's extensive range of services for aging adults. This executive position involves managing skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities, ensuring high standards of care and resident satisfaction. Tretter oversees the integration and delivery of specialized services, including therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health care, throughout the upper Midwest. The Chief Executive Officer & Administrator is dedicated to upholding Benedictine's Catholic mission, fostering a supportive environment, and driving organizational growth. By focusing on compassionate care and operational excellence, Emmalene Tretter ensures Benedictine continues to be a trusted provider for elder care needs.

    Judith Hulst - Chief Executive Officer & Administrator

    Judith Hulst, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator at Benedictine, guides the strategic planning and day-to-day management of the health system's comprehensive elder care services. This leadership role encompasses the oversight of skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities, ensuring the highest quality of care and resident experience. Hulst is responsible for the effective deployment of specialized services, including therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health care, across the upper Midwest region. The Chief Executive Officer & Administrator champions Benedictine's mission to serve aging adults with compassion and dignity. By focusing on operational efficiency and continuous improvement, Judith Hulst ensures Benedictine maintains its commitment to excellence in elder care.

    Barbara Wessberg - Chief Executive Officer & Administrator

    Barbara Wessberg, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator at Benedictine, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the health system's diverse portfolio of services for aging adults. This executive position involves overseeing skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities, ensuring the delivery of compassionate and high-quality care. Wessberg is responsible for the effective management of specialized programs, including therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health care, across the upper Midwest. The Chief Executive Officer & Administrator is committed to upholding Benedictine's Catholic mission and fostering an environment of excellence and resident well-being. By driving operational effectiveness and strategic growth, Barbara Wessberg ensures Benedictine continues to meet the evolving needs of the aging population.
    Barbara Wessberg

    Linda Odergaard - Chief Financial Officer

    Linda Odergaard, the Chief Financial Officer at Benedictine, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization, ensuring robust financial planning and management across all operations. This critical role involves overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, investment strategies, and resource allocation to support Benedictine's mission of providing comprehensive health and housing services to aging adults. Odergaard is responsible for maintaining financial compliance, managing risk, and identifying opportunities for fiscal growth and sustainability throughout the upper Midwest. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in strategic decision-making, ensuring that financial resources are effectively utilized to enhance the quality of care in skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities. By providing expert financial leadership, Linda Odergaard safeguards Benedictine's long-term viability and its capacity to serve its communities.

    Ronald Frei - Regional Chief Financial Officer

    Ronald Frei, the Regional Chief Financial Officer at Benedictine, oversees the financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the health system's regional activities. This executive role is crucial for managing budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation across Benedictine's skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities in the upper Midwest. Frei ensures financial compliance and identifies opportunities for fiscal optimization to support the delivery of therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, and home health care services. The Regional Chief Financial Officer collaborates closely with executive leadership to drive financial sustainability and support the organization's mission-directed approach to elder care. By providing dedicated financial oversight, Ronald Frei contributes significantly to Benedictine's operational effectiveness and its commitment to serving aging adults with excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Benedictine Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Benedictine?
    Benedictine is led by Lee Larson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Len Meysembourg (Administrator and Chief Executive Officer) and Peter Leer (Administrator Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Benedictine’s executive team?
    The executive team of Benedictine includes leaders such as Lee Larson (Chief Executive Officer), Len Meysembourg (Administrator and Chief Executive Officer), Peter Leer (Administrator Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Benedictine have?
    Benedictine has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Benedictine’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Benedictine includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Administrator and Chief Executive Officer, Administrator Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Administrator.