Nesse joins the Council Oct. 21

Lucas Nesse

ST. PAUL—The Minnesota Council of Health Plans (Council) today announced that Lucas Nesse has been named its president and chief executive officer. Nesse was most recently with the Minnesota Business Partnership and brings deep experience in public policy and team leadership.

In his five years at the Business Partnership, Nesse served as director of health policy and grassroots advocacy and was instrumental in the development and implementation of strategic policy initiatives and advocacy plans. Prior to that role, Nesse served in the Minnesota Legislature for 10 years, serving as the legislative director and chief advisor to the Senate leadership during his last four years.

“We are excited for Lucas to step into this new role,” said John Naylor, Minnesota Council of Health Plans board chair and president, and president and CEO of Medica. “I’ve personally worked with Lucas and have seen first-hand his passion, expertise and ability to build relationships across the aisle to further important health initiatives for our state. I look forward to the many contributions Lucas will bring to Minnesota Council of Health Plans, its members and the greater community.”

Nesse earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Gustavus Adolphus College and his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law. He currently resides in Lake Elmo with his wife and two children.

Nesse will begin his new role on Oct. 21. He replaces Patsy Riley, who has served as interim President and CEO since last March.

Established in 1985, the Minnesota Council of Health Plans is an association of licensed nonprofit health plans that includes: Blue Cross and Blue Shield/Blue Plus of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Hennepin Health, Medica, Sanford Health Plan of Minnesota and UCare.

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