The Board of Directors has announced that Northland Health Centers has elected Rachel Thomas, CFO as the organization’s future CEO in an upcoming transition for when Nadine Boe, CEO retires.
The board thanks Boe for her contribution to the organization over her years of tenure. Boe became CEO of Northland in 2019 and has helped build Northland Health Centers into the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) network in northcentral and northwestern North Dakota. “Nadine’s retirement will mark the end of an extraordinary era of leadership,” said David Aas, Board President. “The Board is confident that Northland’s future is in capable hands.”
Thomas will lead the organization upon Boe’s retirement in January of 2027. Thomas has been the organization’s Chief Financial Officer since 2020.
“Rachel has been a dedicated member of the Northland team for the past 12 years and has served as our Chief Financial Officer for the last 6 years,” said Aas. “Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic vision, financial stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to our mission of providing high-quality healthcare services to the communities we serve.”
“Northland Health Centers has been my professional home for the past 12 years, and I’m honored to lead the organization into its next chapter,” said Thomas. “As someone who was born and raised in Turtle Lake, it’s especially meaningful to serve the communities that helped shape me.”
Thomas began her career with Northland Health Centers in 2014 as a Financial Assistant and later transitioned to an Accountant in 2019 before being promoted to Chief Financial Officer. During her tenure, she has led key financial and operational initiatives, including advocating for state investment in Federally Qualified Health Centers, implementing major technology systems, and managing complex federal funding and regulatory requirements.
Thomas obtained her associate degree in business management from Bismarck State College and her bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of Mary. Additionally, she has completed a Health Care Executive Program from UCLA.
With the upcoming transition, Northland Health Centers will begin looking for an exceptional Financial Manager to join our leadership team immediately. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced financial leader to help shape the future of one of North Dakota’s leading Community Health Centers while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. Applications for the open position can be found online at northlandhealthcenters.org/careers/.
About Northland Health Centers
Northland Health Centers is the leading Community Health Center in central North Dakota, and is committed to making healthcare straightforward, accessible, and affordable for everyone in our communities. Headquartered in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, the organization has more than 70 employees and serves over 5,900 patients in Turtle Lake, Bismarck, Minot, St. John, Ray, Bowbells, Rolette, McClusky and surrounding communities.
Northland Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides medical, dental and behavioral health services to patients regardless of the ability to pay. Learn more about Northland Health Centers at northlandhealthcenters.org.
