Mary Brainerd

Mary Brainerd

President and CEO, HealthPartners (retired)

Mary Brainerd was president and chief executive officer for Minnesota-based HealthPartners, the largest, consumer-governed, nonprofit health care organization in the nation. Under her leadership and direction, HealthPartners experienced record growth and is often recognized as a national leader in the health care industry. She is one of the founding CEOs and former Chair of the Itasca Project, a group of 40 government, civic and business leaders addressing the issues that impact long-term economic growth. Prior to joining HealthPartners, Brainerd held senior level positions with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

Honors include 100 Most Influential in Health Care by Modern Health Care, Executive of the Year by Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, induction into the Twin Cities Business Hall of Fame, and the University of St. Thomas Award for Ethical Leadership.

Brainerd holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota.

Other service

  • The Nature Conservancy 
  • Minnesota Life/Securian
  • Bremer Financial Corporation
  • Minnesota Public Radio
  • Stryker, Inc