Nystrom & Associates, a leading outpatient mental health provider, has named Mark Peterson as its new CEO, succeeding Mark Arnold, who held the role since May 2020. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the organization employs over 1,000 providers across 50 locations in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, with plans to expand into North Dakota. Peterson’s appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the company’s behavioral health leadership and positioning it for continued growth in the Midwest.
A Commitment to Compassionate Leadership
“Mark’s commitment to investing in the people of the organization and making Nystrom the employer of choice has been evident since he joined the board,” said John Figueroa, a board member. “He is a compassionate leader with experience running a high-touch and impactful healthcare organization.” His appointment underscores the company’s dedication to high-quality behavioral health leadership, ensuring patients and staff alike benefit from experienced guidance.
Extensive Experience in Healthcare Leadership
Peterson brings nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership. He spent nearly two decades at Genoa Healthcare, an institutional pharmacy provider, serving 15 years as chief commercial officer and three years as CEO. Prior to becoming CEO of Nystrom & Associates, he was chairman of its board, giving him deep insight into the company’s operations and values. This combination of strategic vision and hands-on experience positions Peterson to enhance the organization’s behavioral health leadership and continue its trajectory of success.
Board and Founder Support
Brian Nystrom, founder and board member, praised Peterson’s leadership qualities. “With more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health and an ongoing dedication to the Nystrom organization, we are excited that Mark will lead the company in its next chapter of growth and expansion,” Nystrom said. Under Peterson, the company plans to strengthen behavioral health leadership at every level, prioritizing patient care, employee engagement, and operational excellence.
Nautic Partners’ Role in Growth
Nystrom & Associates has been backed by Rhode Island-based private equity firm Nautic Partners LLC since June 2019. Nautic has previously invested in other healthcare providers, including Genoa Healthcare, Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare, and Pyramid Healthcare. The firm’s support enables Nystrom to invest in training, resources, and strategic initiatives that elevate behavioral health leadership across its clinics.
Leadership Transitions Across the Industry
The appointment of Peterson comes amid broader shifts in the behavioral health sector. Several major organizations are updating their executive teams, reflecting the importance of strong behavioral health leadership in today’s competitive landscape. Talkspace Inc. named Dr. Jon Cohen as CEO, Summit BHC appointed Todd Wyatt as CFO, and both Summit and Acadia Healthcare Co. Inc. have added new chief information officers. These changes highlight a growing focus on leadership that can adapt to evolving patient needs and healthcare challenges.
Looking Ahead
With Mark Peterson at the helm, Nystrom & Associates is poised to expand its reach and reinforce its reputation for top-tier behavioral health leadership. Patients, employees, and partners can expect a renewed focus on innovation, collaboration, and a culture that values both staff and the communities it serves. As the company grows into North Dakota and beyond, its commitment to high-quality behavioral health leadership remains central to its mission of providing compassionate, effective mental health care.
