HealthPartners Executive and Leadership Team

Nicholas Okumu, the Chief Financial Officer at HealthPartners, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for the entire organization. Overseeing the financial planning and analysis department, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the expansion of orthopedic urgent care and telemedicine capabilities. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of budgetary compliance and long-term investment strategies to maintain operational excellence. By optimizing revenue cycles and cost structures, Nicholas Okumu directly impacts the sustainability of care delivery models. Ultimately, Okumu drives financial stability, allowing the organization to invest in advanced rehabilitation technologies and maintain high standards of patient care throughout the competitive healthcare landscape.

Alita Risinger, the Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Care Delivery at HealthPartners, governs the financial performance of clinical operations. Overseeing the economic viability of care delivery units, the Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Care Delivery ensures that orthopedic services remain both accessible and profitable. This leadership role involves evaluating the cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and joint care initiatives. By implementing data-driven financial models, Alita Risinger directly impacts the quality and reach of patient services. Ultimately, Risinger secures the necessary funding to support clinical innovation, ensuring that the organization continues to provide top-tier orthopedic care while maintaining a robust financial foundation for future growth and service expansion.

Brandi Lunneborg, the President, Lakeview Health & St Croix Valley Executive at HealthPartners, directs regional operations and community health initiatives. Overseeing the delivery of orthopedic and rehabilitation services within the St. Croix Valley, the President, Lakeview Health & St Croix Valley Executive ensures that local patient needs receive priority attention. This leadership role involves managing regional partnerships and expanding access to specialized care. By tailoring service delivery to the specific demographics of the region, Brandi Lunneborg directly impacts the health outcomes of the local population. Ultimately, Lunneborg drives regional growth, ensuring that the organization remains a trusted provider of comprehensive musculoskeletal care and rehabilitation services.

Bob Cumming, the Senior Vice President, Actuarial, Employer Reporting, and Underwriting. President, HealthPartners Ins Co at HealthPartners, manages the insurance and risk assessment functions. Overseeing the actuarial analysis and underwriting processes, the Senior Vice President, Actuarial, Employer Reporting, and Underwriting. President, HealthPartners Ins Co ensures that insurance products remain sustainable and accessible for employers. This leadership role involves evaluating risk profiles to support the financial viability of the health plan. By aligning insurance offerings with the needs of the patient population, Bob Cumming directly impacts the affordability of orthopedic and rehabilitation services. Ultimately, Cumming secures the financial integrity of the insurance division, supporting the broader mission of providing comprehensive care.

Samuel Carlson, the Chief Marketing Officer at HealthPartners, directs all brand positioning and patient engagement initiatives. Overseeing the digital outreach strategy, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that orthopedic rehabilitation services reach diverse patient populations effectively. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize service visibility for TRIA Physical Therapy. By aligning communication channels with clinical goals, Samuel Carlson directly impacts the growth of sports medicine and joint care programs. Ultimately, Carlson secures brand loyalty through consistent messaging and patient-focused campaigns that highlight the expertise of the clinical team in managing musculoskeletal conditions across the regional market.

Natalia Biderman, the Chief of Staff at HealthPartners, coordinates executive operations and facilitates strategic alignment across all clinical departments. Overseeing the integration of administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that leadership objectives translate into actionable outcomes for orthopedic and rehabilitation services. This leadership role involves managing high-priority projects that bridge the gap between corporate strategy and daily patient care delivery. By streamlining communication between the C-suite and department heads, Natalia Biderman directly impacts organizational efficiency and operational agility. Ultimately, Biderman maintains the focus on core mission objectives, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of patients recovering from surgery or musculoskeletal injuries.

Gwen Cates, the Principal Consultant and Chief of Staff at HealthPartners, provides strategic guidance on organizational structure and administrative performance. Overseeing the implementation of complex operational initiatives, the Principal Consultant and Chief of Staff ensures that clinical teams maintain alignment with corporate standards. This leadership role involves advising on process improvements that enhance the patient experience within orthopedic and sports medicine clinics. By fostering collaboration across various departments, Gwen Cates directly impacts the successful execution of long-term strategic goals. Ultimately, Cates drives organizational cohesion, ensuring that the focus remains on delivering high-quality rehabilitation services while navigating the complexities of the modern healthcare environment.

Bret Haake, the Vice President, Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer at HealthPartners, oversees clinical standards and medical governance. Overseeing the quality of orthopedic care and rehabilitation protocols, the Vice President, Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer ensures that all practitioners adhere to evidence-based practices. This leadership role involves managing physician relations and clinical performance metrics to guarantee optimal patient outcomes. By championing advancements in sports medicine and joint care, Bret Haake directly impacts the clinical reputation of the organization. Ultimately, Haake maintains rigorous medical oversight, ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate treatment during the recovery journey from injury or surgery.

Nima Desai, the Vice President, Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer at HealthPartners, focuses on clinical innovation and the integration of new medical technologies. Overseeing the development of advanced rehabilitation protocols, the Vice President, Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer ensures that the organization stays at the forefront of orthopedic treatment. This leadership role involves collaborating with research teams to refine patient care pathways and improve recovery times. By fostering a culture of continuous learning among medical staff, Nima Desai directly impacts the efficacy of joint care and sports medicine programs. Ultimately, Desai drives clinical excellence, ensuring that the organization provides cutting-edge solutions for patients recovering from complex musculoskeletal conditions.

Virginia Kakacek, the Chief Medical Officer, Healthpartners Health Plan at HealthPartners, oversees the clinical strategy for the health plan division. Overseeing the utilization management and quality assurance programs, the Chief Medical Officer, Healthpartners Health Plan ensures that members receive appropriate and timely orthopedic care. This leadership role involves reviewing clinical guidelines to optimize patient outcomes and manage healthcare costs effectively. By integrating medical expertise into the health plan's decision-making process, Virginia Kakacek directly impacts the accessibility of rehabilitation services for plan members. Ultimately, Kakacek drives clinical value, ensuring that the health plan supports the overall goal of helping patients rebuild strength and function through high-quality, evidence-based care.