Sagent Behavioral Health has appointed Shawna Gisch as Chief Executive Officer effective April 6, succeeding Mark Peterson, who will continue to serve on the company’s Board of Directors. Gisch brings more than two decades of healthcare leadership experience across UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, and Optum Rx, with deep expertise in Medicaid, healthcare policy, and large-scale operational management.
Under Peterson’s leadership, Sagent completed a significant transformation, including the acquisition and integration of Ellie Mental Health’s 23 Minnesota clinics and the company’s rebrand from six brands including Nystrom & Associates to Sagent Behavioral Health. These initiatives strengthened Sagent’s market position and expanded its clinical footprint. Peterson stated that Gisch brings the operational discipline, policy expertise, and commitment to access that will accelerate Sagent’s next phase of growth.
Gisch is recognized for her ability to navigate complex healthcare systems while driving operational performance and expanding access to care, particularly for populations with mental healthcare needs. Her background includes leading large teams, managing high-impact portfolios, and advancing initiatives that improve affordability and outcomes for underserved populations. As CEO, Gisch will oversee Sagent’s continued efforts to scale its behavioral health platform, enhance operational efficiency, and build strategic partnerships that support sustainable growth. Sagent Behavioral Health operates over 80 clinic locations and employs 2,000 people across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri and North Dakota, offering therapy, psychiatry, and other mental health services to patients ages 3 and older.
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