Ridgeview Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ridgeview has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, finance, human resources, and medical administration.

Committed to regional health excellence, Ridgeview delivers comprehensive nonprofit medical services across the southwest metro region of the Twin Cities through a patient-centered care philosophy.

Leadership Roles at Ridgeview

  • Administrator and Chief Executive Officer - Rhonda Matz
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brent Wordelman
  • Chief Operating Officer - Benjamin Nielsen
  • Chief Information Officer - Andrew Kester
  • Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer - Lisa Schwartz
  • Chief of Staff & Medical Director - Matthew Herold
  • Rhonda Matz - Administrator and Chief Executive Officer

    Rhonda Matz, the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer at Ridgeview, directs the overarching strategic vision for the nonprofit health system. Overseeing the integration of clinical services across the southwest metro region, the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between patient care standards and long-term organizational sustainability. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine healthcare delivery models and expand regional access. By prioritizing community health outcomes, Rhonda Matz drives the mission of providing high-quality, independent medical care. Matz maintains focus on operational excellence while navigating the complexities of the modern healthcare landscape. Through consistent engagement with clinical leaders, the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation and safety. Ultimately, Matz secures the future of the health system by balancing fiscal responsibility with the evolving needs of the diverse patient population served throughout the region.

    Brent Wordelman - Chief Financial Officer

    Brent Wordelman, the Chief Financial Officer at Ridgeview, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic strategy of the nonprofit organization. Overseeing budget allocation, revenue cycle management, and capital investments, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources directly support the expansion of regional healthcare services. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to maintain the financial viability of the system while funding essential medical equipment and facility upgrades. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Brent Wordelman drives sustainable growth and operational efficiency. Wordelman collaborates with the executive team to align fiscal planning with the broader mission of providing accessible care to the southwest metro region. Through the careful management of assets and liabilities, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to sustain high-quality patient outcomes. Ultimately, Wordelman provides the financial foundation required for the organization to thrive as an independent, nonprofit health system.
    Brent Wordelman

    Benjamin Nielsen - Chief Operating Officer

    Benjamin Nielsen, the Chief Operating Officer at Ridgeview, manages the daily operational workflows across the entire nonprofit health system. Overseeing facility management and clinical service delivery, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all departments function with maximum efficiency and safety. This leadership role involves coordinating resources to meet the high demand for medical services throughout the southwest metro region. By streamlining internal processes, Benjamin Nielsen drives improvements in patient throughput and service quality. Nielsen works closely with department heads to implement lean management practices that reduce waste and enhance care delivery. Through the optimization of hospital operations, the Chief Operating Officer supports the organizational goal of providing reliable, community-focused healthcare. Ultimately, Nielsen maintains the operational stability of the system, ensuring that every facility remains prepared to address the diverse medical needs of the population while upholding the highest standards of nonprofit clinical excellence.

    Andrew Kester - Chief Information Officer

    Andrew Kester, the Chief Information Officer at Ridgeview, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all clinical and administrative functions. Overseeing the implementation of secure electronic health records, the Chief Information Officer ensures data integrity and seamless communication across the regional network. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive patient information while optimizing technology platforms for medical staff. By modernizing digital tools, Andrew Kester drives efficiency in healthcare delivery and improves the overall patient experience. Kester collaborates with clinical leadership to integrate advanced diagnostic software into daily workflows. Through the deployment of scalable IT solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the broader mission of providing accessible, high-quality care. Ultimately, Kester maintains the technological backbone of the organization, ensuring that all digital systems remain robust, compliant, and fully aligned with the evolving requirements of the southwest metro healthcare market.
    Andrew Kester

    Lisa Schwartz - Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lisa Schwartz, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Ridgeview, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of skilled medical professionals, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains fully equipped to deliver exceptional patient care. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits programs and training modules that foster staff retention and professional growth. By cultivating a supportive work environment, Lisa Schwartz drives employee engagement and operational morale across the regional network. Schwartz works with leadership to align human capital strategies with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Through the implementation of robust performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the organizational commitment to excellence. Ultimately, Schwartz maintains a high-performing team, ensuring that the health system attracts and retains the talent necessary to serve the southwest metro region effectively.

    Matthew Herold - Chief of Staff & Medical Director

    Matthew Herold, the Chief of Staff & Medical Director at Ridgeview, oversees the clinical standards and professional conduct of the medical staff. Overseeing the implementation of evidence-based care protocols, the Chief of Staff & Medical Director ensures that all clinical practices meet rigorous safety and quality benchmarks. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the medical staff and the executive team to align clinical objectives with organizational goals. By promoting a culture of continuous improvement, Matthew Herold drives excellence in patient outcomes across the southwest metro region. Herold collaborates with department heads to address complex clinical challenges and optimize the delivery of medical services. Through the oversight of physician performance and credentialing, the Chief of Staff & Medical Director maintains the integrity of the clinical environment. Ultimately, Herold ensures that the medical staff remains focused on providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient within the nonprofit system.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ridgeview Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ridgeview?
    Ridgeview is led by Rhonda Matz (Administrator and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Brent Wordelman (Chief Financial Officer) and Benjamin Nielsen (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Ridgeview’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ridgeview includes leaders such as Rhonda Matz (Administrator and Chief Executive Officer), Brent Wordelman (Chief Financial Officer), Benjamin Nielsen (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ridgeview have?
    Ridgeview has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ridgeview’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ridgeview includes roles such as Administrator and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer.