board of directors

The Stratis Health Board of Directors is an independent, community-based board comprised of professionals representing a broad array of interests, skills, and perspectives. Board members are:

Kathleen D. Brooks, MD, MBA: Dr. Brooks is Assistant Dean for Continuing Medical Education at the University of Minnesota Medical School. She also serves as the Associate Director of the Rural Physician Associates Program in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota. (2013)

Huda Farah, MSc: Ms. Farah is a researcher in public health, educator, cultural competency trainer, mentor, coach and a leader in public health and early childhood education. She has produced many educational material videos and is host/producer of TV and radio shows. (2015)

Nancy Feldman: Ms. Feldman is President and CEO of UCare Minnesota, a health plan long known for its work with diverse and underserved populations. (2010)

William E. Jacott, MD: Dr. Jacott is Special Advisor for Professional Relations for the Illinois- and DC-based Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. (2012)

Lucinda Jesson, JD: Jesson is an associate professor of law at Hamline University School of Law and is director of the new Health Law Institute. In private practice, she represented hospitals, clinics and health care professionals and served as a frequent arbitrator and hearing officer in health care disputes. (2015)

Dee Kemnitz: Ms. Kemnitz serves as a beneficiary representative on the Board and spent more than 45 years at Carlson Companies, a global leader in the marketing, travel, and hospitality industries. (2010)

Michele Kimball: Ms. Kimball is State Director for AARP in Minnesota. She currently serves as an advisor to the Long-Term Care Chair at the University of Minnesota and is a member of the Minnesota Council on Aging. (2013)

Stephen Kopecky, MD: Dr. Kopecky is a cardiologist at the renowned Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester. He also teaches at the Mayo Medical School. (2010)

Clinton MacKinney, MD, MS: Dr. MacKinney is an emergency and family physician at Emergency Practice Associates in Little Falls, and also a nationally recognized consultant in rural health quality and physician leadership.  (2011)

Alison H. Page, MS, MHA: Ms. Page is an advocate for patient safety, representing Minnesota in multiple state and national forums, and has been recognized at the state and national levels for patient safety leadership. She most recently served as the Chief Safety Officer for Fairview Health Services. (2013)

Michael Spilane, MD: Dr. Spilane is co-head of the Division of Geriatrics in the HealthPartners Medical Group, and is a faculty member for the Division of Geriatrics in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He has practiced geriatric medicine for more than three decades. (2015)

Ruth Stryker-Gordon, MA, RN: Ms. Stryker-Gordon serves as a beneficiary representative on the Board. She is an author, teacher, and long term care expert. Her professional roles have included teaching long term care administration at the University of Minnesota's School of Public health, serving as director of nursing education at Sister Kenney Institute, and consulting on long term care. (2013)

Dale Thompson, Board Chair: Mr. Thompson is President and CEO of Benedictine Health System, one of the nation’s most extensive systems, providing acute and long-term care in nine states. (2012)

Stratis Health currently has 13 members on its Board of Directors, with a bylaws cap of 15 members. Board members are elected for three-year terms of service, with a cap of two three-year terms. The end of the current term for each board member is noted in parentheses after each Board member. Potential board members are identified by a nominating committee when there are vacancies on the board. New board members are approved and elected by the full board. Board members do not receive compensation for their service on the Stratis Health Board.