NOVEMBER 7, 2024 – Northfield Hospital + Clinics has named Zander Abbott as President and CEO of the $130 million hospital and clinics system.
Zander is scheduled to begin at NH+C on Jan. 20, 2025. He succeeds Steve Underdahl, who retires after 11 years of service at NH+C. Steve turned 65 earlier this year and is looking forward to the next chapter of his life.
Zander comes to NH+C from the MaineHealth System in Portland, Maine, where he has been an administrator for 11 years, most recently as VP of Service Line Operations for the past eight years. He is currently responsible for MaineHealth Maine Medical Center’s 109-bed Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, including a 51-bed NICU, plus the Women’s Health and Children’s Health service lines across MaineHealth. Zander also works closely with MaineHealth’s eight community hospitals. He is jointly responsible for 650 FTEs across nursing, physician services, and administration.
Zander brings to NH+C a strong track record in administration, strategy, financial management, provider sustainability, quality & safety, and patient experience. He is credited with managing frequent change at MaineHealth with consistent results improving quality, patient access, infrastructure, IT systems, and patient volume.
Zander has an MBA from Boston University, and a BA in Mathematics and Psychology from Bowdoin College. He completed an administrative fellowship at MaineHealth in 2013, as the system’s first administrative fellow.
“We’re excited to have Zander joining NH+C,” says NH+C Board chair Sarah Carlsen, who led the CEO search process. “We’re confident he will provide the strong leadership we need to continue NH+C’s mission to serve communities for future generations.”
NH+C’s board is impressed with Zander’s communication and relationship-building skills, his ability to work effectively with medical staff and with board members, and his ability to contribute as a community leader.
“Zander is a great fit for NH+C,” says Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeff Meland, who served on the search committee. “He understands the value of an independent organization that provides community-focused care.”
“We expect Zander to continue to build on the good work that’s been done over the past decade, including the expansion of the Birth Center and the clinics network; the addition of the Wound Healing Center; and the growth of Orthopedics and Women’s Health,” says Nicole Strusz-Mueller, Director of Clinics, who served on the search committee.
“I’m excited to join this talented team that’s providing excellent care to the community,” Zander says. “The caliber of talent in the clinical and leadership teams is impressive. Every care team member I met during my visits was professional, welcoming, and knowledgeable.”
NH+C’s independence is a key asset, Zander says. “As an independent organization, NH+C is able to maintain relationships with regional players such as Mayo Clinic and Hennepin Healthcare to provide access to those systems when patients need it, while providing great care close to home.”
NH+C’s facilities get top marks too, Zander adds: “The hospital has a fantastic Birth Center, emergency department, and inpatient units. All the clinics and out-patient practices I visited – from orthopedics and rehabilitation services to imaging and Urgent Care – are well-kept spaces with great staff who are professional and welcoming.”
Zander and his wife Abigail have four young children. Zander grew up in Northfield, and is excited to return to the area. “Northfield is a special place. I’m eager to embed in the community and help NH+C keep providing excellent care.”
NH+C is in a good position to make this leadership transition now:
- The pandemic is behind us.
- Financial mitigation plans have stabilized the organization.
- NH+C is operating under a balanced budget for 2024 – a combination of cutting expenses and nurturing strategic growth. Results so far have been encouraging as leaders monitor the important fourth quarter.
- A strong tier of NH+C leaders are preparing for and entering expanded roles.
- There is a strong and stable Board of Directors focused on the health of NH+C and its strategic direction.
“Healthcare across the U.S. has faced serious challenges during and after the pandemic, especially in rural areas,” Sarah says. “After many months of disruptions and difficult decisions, it feels good to be approaching the future with optimism, as a strong, independent organization poised to serve our communities for generations to come.”