Anne Carlsen Center appoints Monson CEO

The Anne Carlsen Center announced Thursday that Eric Monson has been appointed chief executive officer effective Feb. 1.

Monson has served as interim chief executive officer of the center since August. Prior to that time, he served on the center’s board of trustees for five years. Monson previously oversaw the operations of the center as a senior executive with Banner Health System, and its predecessor, Lutheran Health Systems, for 12 years, before ACC became independently owned. He has served as the founder and managing partner of Novus, LLC, a Fargo-based consulting company providing strategic, marketing and operating services to health care and health-related organizations, for the past eight years.

Monson has played a significant role in partnership with Impact Foundation’s Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Effectiveness in building capacity with nonprofit organizations throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. He also provided management leadership for the North Dakota Association of Community Providers, the association of community providers of developmental disabilities services.

“The Anne Carlsen Center Board of Trustees determined, as part of a thorough process, that Eric is extremely qualified to assume leadership of the center,” said Thomas Rohleder, ACC Board chair. “Eric has the ideal background and experience. His extensive knowledge of the center, his visionary leadership, and his passion for the work of this organization make him an excellent fit for this position. We are confident his expertise in strategic planning, health care financing and operations, leadership development, and fundraising will help promote the expansion of the center’s programs and services.”

Monson graduated from Jamestown High School and attended Jamestown College prior to military service. As a young man, he volunteered at the center, learning more about the mission of the organization and the individuals served. Later on, he worked with Dr. Anne Carlsen, the center’s namesake, who died in 2002. Born without forearms or lower legs, Carlsen was an administrator, educator and mentor at the center, as well as a world-renowned disabilities advocate.

“The Anne Carlsen Center holds a very special place in my heart,” said Monson. “It is truly an honor to help carry on the legacy of Dr. Anne, and to lead a staff dedicated to carrying on her tradition of excellence and hope. Milestones are reached each and every day here. It is extremely rewarding to be a part of a team of people equipping and empowering individuals with disabilities to lead full, meaningful lives.”

Monson said in addition to helping strengthen the core of the center — the ACC Jamestown campus — he intends to help continue the expansion of the center’s community-based services.

“What we are doing in communities across North Dakota is vitally important,” Monson said. “Through our community services, we provide a wide range of opportunities for growth and learning, while helping individuals successfully reside in a community setting. Families are able to stay together. Young adults gain skills for independence and become contributing members of a community.”

“The board is confident that Eric will provide strong leadership and planning in many of these important areas,” said Rohleder. “The Anne Carlsen Center will remain influential and effective, as we continue to offer skilled and compassionate care to children, young adults and families.

The Anne Carlsen Center provides training, services and supports in homes and communities across North Dakota. On its Jamestown Campus, staff meets the educational, residential, medical and therapeutic needs of children and young adults with autism, behavior disorders, medical fragility and other developmental disabilities.

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