Mary Brainerd named one of Top 25 Women in Healthcare

HealthPartners President and CEO picked by Modern Healthcare to receive national honor

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Mary Brainerd, president and chief executive officer of HealthPartners, was named one of the “Top 25 Women in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare. This honor is presented to female executives from around the United States who are developing policy, leading change and guiding the delivery of health care.

“Mary Brainerd’s contributions have had a tremendous impact on health care, effecting positive change in Minnesota and more broadly at the regional and national levels,” says Ruth Mickelson, Chair of the HealthPartners Board of Directors. “The honorees on this list span all areas of health care, including care delivery systems, physician organizations, government and associations. Being recognized with this group speaks very highly of Mary’s work and leadership in our industry.”

Brainerd was selected from a broad pool of candidates from across the country. Nominations were judged on several criteria, including leadership within an organization and in the community; ability to promote change in the industry; willingness to share expertise with others; and serving as a role model and mentor to other health care executives.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this recognition,” said Brainerd. “But I really believe this isn’t simply a singular achievement; it’s more a representation of the work we’re doing together each day. I am privileged to work with 23,000 colleagues who share a similar passion to improve health and well-being for the members, patients and communities we serve.”

Under Brainerd’s leadership and direction, HealthPartners has experienced record growth and is often recognized as a national leader in the health care industry.

Other women leaders named to the list include Leah Binder, president and CEO of Leapfrog Group; Deborah Bowen, president and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives; and Dr. Tejal Gandhi, president and CEO of the National Patient Safety Foundation. The complete list is featured in the April issue of Modern Healthcare.