2025 Notable Health Care Leaders

These leaders are advancing patient care, pioneering medical innovations, and fostering inclusive community-focused health solutions in the Twin Cities and beyond. Meet TCB’s 13 notable health care leaders for 2025.

Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive; it includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must have at least five years of experience in their field and have shown the ability to effect change in their roles or areas of practice.

To nominate other best-in-class executives in their fields, click here.

2025 Notable Health Care Leaders

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Dr. Hamid Abbasi

Dr. Hamid Abbasi

Founder/chief medical director, Inspired Spine
Hamid Abbasi is among the first neurosurgeons in the world to adopt oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLLIF). This faster spinal surgery requires a smaller incision, leading to shorter recovery.
Dr. Ganesh Asaithambi

Dr. Ganesh Asaithambi

System medical director for stroke and hospital neurology, Allina Health
At Minneapolis-based Allina Health system, Ganesh Asaithambi has sought to expand access to expert specialized care. His efforts include partnering with Allina Health’s telehealth team to facilitate the growth of
Steven Bayer

Steven Bayer

President/chief experience officer, Nice Healthcare
At Nice Healthcare, Steven Bayer works to make health care accessible, affordable, and patient-centered. From the creation of product, technology, data, and marketing teams to incorporating best practices from companies
Diane Cross

Diane Cross

President/CEO, Fraser
Since becoming the president and CEO of Fraser in 1989, Diane Cross has helped it grow from a $1 million nonprofit serving 200 clients annually to a nationally renowned multi-service
Connie Delaney

Connie Delaney

Dean, University of Minnesota School of Nursing
Under Connie Delaney’s nearly 20-year leadership, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing was one of the first nursing schools in the country to design, approve, and begin admitting students
Dr. Joseph Lee

Dr. Joseph Lee

President/CEO, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
As head of one of the nation’s largest nonprofit systems of comprehensive addiction treatment, mental health care, and recovery resources, Joseph Lee has redefined the landscape of substance use treatment
Darin McDonald

Darin McDonald

Executive vice president/chief information officer, UCare
Darin McDonald is responsible for establishing and implementing the technology strategy at UCare, a Minneapolis-based health plan company. He led the completion of UCare’s core systems transformation, which has resulted
Nico Pronk

Nico Pronk

President/chief science officer, HealthPartners and HealthPartners Institute
When Nico Pronk isn’t chairing the National Academy of Science’s Roundtable on Obesity Solutions, helping redesign the process for creating dietary guidelines in the U.S., or furthering national health goals,
Alyson Roth

Alyson Roth

Senior vice president/chair, Center for Digital Health, Mayo Clinic
Alyson Roth plays a strategic leadership role in driving innovation across Mayo Clinic. She served on the executive leadership team that launched Mayo Clinic’s Center for Digital Health, which is
Dr. Patrick Simon S. Soria

Dr. Patrick Simon S. Soria

President-elect, Philippine Nurses Association of Central Minnesota
Patrick Simon S. Soria has created lasting positive impacts in the nursing profession, both locally and internationally. As a member of the Minnesota Equitable Health Care Task Force, he is
Colt Thompson

Colt Thompson

President/CEO, ARPwave Technologies
Colt Thompson has been at the helm of ARPwave Technologies since 2023, helping to transform the company into a global leader in recovery and performance technology. Founded by Thompson’s father
Dr. Talee Vang

Dr. Talee Vang

Vice president of health equity, Hennepin Healthcare
Talee Vang has significantly advanced health equity and inclusion in the Hennepin Healthcare system, positively impacting numerous patients and staff. She’s developed and implemented education programs focused on health equity,
Dr. Lew Zeidner

Dr. Lew Zeidner

CEO, Meridian Behavioral Health
Lew Zeidner leads one of the largest providers of residential and intensive outpatient substance-use disorder and mental health care to Medicaid and commercially insured patients in Minnesota. He leads with