Almost 18 months ago, Steve Knutson, Neighborhood HealthSource’ current Executive Director, announced his intention to retire. That time has quickly arrived as Friday, March 20th, 2026 marks Steve’s retirement from Neighborhood HealthSource. Late last year, Steve and the Board launched a formal search for NHS’ new Executive Director. In December, the Board announced the appointment of Shannon E. Mayer as the new NHS Executive Director. Shannon started her new role in early January, and has been working with Steve to complete a transition prior to his departure.
Steve is retiring after a distinguished 43-year career in health care, primarily in the Twin-Cities market. His extensive experience spans leadership roles with large health care providers and health plans, as well as private health care business consulting. Steve has served as NHS’ Executive Director for 17 years, following four years on NHS’ Board of Directors. He has served as NHS’ longest-serving CEO in NHS’ 56 year history, and is one of the longest-tenured Health Center CEOs in Minnesota.
Steve Knutson
Current Executive Director
Under Steve’s leadership, NHS experienced significant growth over the past two decades. During that time, NHS’ revenues and staff more than doubled in size, added multiple delivery sites, and dramatically expanded our programing to meet the needs of tens of thousands of patients.
Steve’s deep personal affinity for the NHS Mission led him to NHS. His ability to translate that affinity into business strategies to expand health care access to the marginalized populations served by NHS will be his legacy at NHS. Steve was particularly instrumental in the formation of the Federally Qualified Urban Health Network or FUNH – the Nation’s first Health Center-led Accountable Care Organization. FUHN continues to operate here in Minnesota and has grown to include 12 health centers.
Steve will continue to consult part-time with NHS over the next couple of months as he transitions to full retirement. He and Kathy look forward to spending more time with their expanding family. Thank you, Steve, for your hard work and dedication to bring quality, accessible healthcare services to all. We wish you a healthy, happy, and well-deserved retirement!
Neighborhood HealthSource would like to welcome its new Executive Director, Shannon E. Mayer!
Shannon E. Mayer
New Executive Director
Driven by a deep commitment to organizational excellence and community well-being, Shannon brings a wealth of experience in managed care organizations and specialty health care. Most recently, she served as the Chief Operating Officer at Fraser, where she oversaw operations, strategic planning, and service delivery to enhance patient outcomes and organizational efficiency for their Minnesota clinics and group homes.
Prior to Fraser, Shannon’s background includes many years in leadership at Minnesota based health plans. She is excited to bring her diverse background to Neighborhood HealthSource to continue its leadership in the Minneapolis and north metro area.
Shannon is a proud mother of two daughters who are registered nurses at Mayo Clinic. Originally from Hudson, Wisconsin, Shannon has lived in the south metro area for many years. Outside of work, you can find her spending time outdoors with her energetic Goldendoodle, Henry. We are thrilled to have her leadership at NHS. Welcome to the team, Shannon!
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