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Health Care Leaders

Pete Swenson

CEO | Park Dental Partners

Influence: My entrepreneurial father and brother profoundly influenced my career, embodying the values of innovation, resilience and strategic thinking. Their relentless drive and ability to turn ideas into successful ventures inspired me to pursue my own business aspirations with confidence. Observing their dedication and problem-solving skills has provided invaluable lessons in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. 

Leadership: It entails fostering enthusiasm, empowering talent and prioritizing enjoyment. Creating a vibrant, adventurous workplace is essential. Equally important is granting team members significant autonomy, encouraging them to innovate and take ownership as if they were founders. Making enjoyment a core part of the work culture is key and drives creativity and dedication. Integrating fun into daily operations boosts morale and strengthens commitment.

Kari Thurlow

President and CEO | LeadingAge Minnesota

Influence: I’ve worked in advocacy, learning from elected leaders from both sides of the political spectrum. These leaders have taught me the value of listening over speaking, questioning assumptions, and while two people may profoundly disagree on policy, finding common ground is always possible—often over a beer.

Leadership: It involves include trust, courageous thinking, humor and a lack of ego. Trust is the foundation for any effective team, it demands being transparent, reliable and supportive. Courageous thinking involves taking bold risks, questioning the status quo, and fostering innovation, even when it’s uncomfortable. Humor keeps morale high and keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously. A lack of ego lets you listen, learn and uplift others while focusing on the success of the team.

Paul Thurmes, MD

President | Minnesota Oncology

Influence:  Two individuals profoundly influenced me, Larry Russ, MD, and Mark Sborov, MD. Dr. Russ, my college cross-country coach, inspired me to excel in both sports and academics. His mentorship instilled discipline, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Dr. Sborov further shaped my career by recognizing my leadership potential and challenging me to embrace it. 

Leadership: It requires recognizing potential in others, ensuring that future leaders are identified and nurtured. It understands and articulates the mission clearly, aligns efforts, motivates stakeholders and drives collective progress. While other perspectives may differ from yours they are essential for decision-making, fostering innovation and building a cohesive team. Leaders create a robust framework that inspires, guides and sustains organizational success.

Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD

Dean| University of Minnesota Medical School 

Influence: Really, it has been my patients. I am a bone marrow transplant pediatrician, and I have learned from the children I treat and their families how to listen and communicate, to always think about how we can do things better and to ensure that empathy and excellence are always paired. If the standard of care or standard way of doing anything is largely unsuccessful, your ambition has to be to make it better.

Leadership: A leader must be ambitious on behalf of the organization or community they serve, listen and be inclusive, change course when circumstances change, make sound decisions and communicate well. You cannot be a leader if no one is following.

Timothy Toonen, MD

VP Medical Oncology | Minnesota Oncology 

Influence: Jerry Zimmerman, MD, was a physician with whom I worked on an independent research project as an undergraduate. He allowed me to present at national meetings and valued my contributions. Through that experience I gained confidence in communicating in front of large groups. I was brought on medical rounds as an undergraduate and treated as a team member, not a bystander. He convinced me to apply to medical school and taught me to balance empathy and science while caring for patients. 

Leadership: Leadership is a choice, not a rank. Leaders need to be visible, attentive to details, courageous, as well as genuine. Leaders put people and relationships first, they learn through genuine curiosity and listening. Also, leaders act and support teams with solutions.

Sarah Traxler, MD, MS

CMO | Planned Parenthood North Central States

Influence: My patients are my biggest influence. They trust me to help them make the best decisions for their body, life and future. It is the honor of my life to be there with them, providing care to people who need it. Helping patients have control over their future reminds me of why I do this work: because everyone deserves to decide how, when and if to have a family.

Leadership: It requires honesty, empathy and resilience. We train for years to provide expert, compassionate, high-quality care, and I happen to be in about the only field where politicians insert themselves into my exam room. Being honest with people about what’s happening and why is crucial, as well as being honest about how we’re all feeling about it. 

Wendy Underwood, MBA

Deputy Commissioner | Minnesota Department of Health

Influence: Leaders across public, private and nonprofit industries saw strengths and potential in me that I did not. They gave me opportunities to learn, grow, make mistakes and reach goals benefiting both the constituents being served and my own professional development. I try every day to model what those leaders gave me with the teams I oversee today.

Leadership: Every person has the ability to be a leader. A leader listens with patience and compassion; keeps the success of others front and center; and is an effective advocate for others. Leaders model a productive and healthy work environment by making and meeting commitments, jumping in to help others and taking breaks when breaks are needed. Leadership is incredibly rewarding when given the time and attention it requires.

Nick Van Deelen, MD

Co-President  | Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital

Influence: Response pending.

Leadership: Response pending.

Loren N. Vorlicky, MD

CMO | Twin Cities Orthopedics

Influence: Roby Thompson, MD, has had a major impact on my career. He exemplified leadership through his actions. His emphasis on prioritizing patient care above all else left a major impression on me. He navigated complex life-and-death situations with grace and inspired me to strive for excellence in every aspect of my practice. His expectation of hard work and dedication from those around him set a standard for true leadership.

Leadership: It encompasses a combination of essential qualities. Honesty and integrity lay the foundation for trust and credibility, helping to build strong relationships. It puts patients first, basing decisions on their best interests. Being reliable and approachable allows leaders to provide support and guidance while the ability to simplify complex issues facilitates communication and informed decision-making.

Andrea Walsh

President and CEO | HealthPartners

Influence: My parents were my biggest influences. They believed in me and taught me that passion for and purpose in work were most important. My dad, Dr. John Mitchell, was a nephrologist, he loved patient care and teaching as well as chairing the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the Mayo Clinic. My mom owned a real estate agency. In all four of their children, my parents instilled the value of finding work you love and giving it your all. I’ve been blessed with a series of mentors who have encouraged and challenged me over my career. 

Leadership: The best leaders I know lead in service to others and have an ability to bring out the best in people. As a leader, I aspire to be a good coach.