Monson named interim ACC leader

The Anne Carlsen Center announced Monday that Eric Monson has been appointed interim chief executive officer effective Aug. 3.

Monson, a Fargo resident, has a long history with the Anne Carlsen Center and the Jamestown community. He served on the center’s board of trustees for six years, most recently as vice chair. 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 an independently-owned organization in 2003. 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 Fargo’s Impact Foundation’s Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Effectiveness in building capacity with nonprofit organizations throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. He 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 was very fortunate to identify someone with Eric’s background and experience to assume leadership of the Center at this time,” said ACC Board Chair Thomas Rohleder. “Eric’s extensive knowledge of the center and his passion for the work of this organization make him an excellent fit for this position. His expertise in strategic planning, health care financing and operations, leadership development, and fundraising will provide for continuity and stability during this time of transition. We are excited to begin our work with Eric to further the center’s mission of changing lives and nurturing abilities.”

Monson graduated from Jamestown High School and attended Jamestown College prior to military service.

“I was able to play in numerous wheelchair basketball games at the Anne Carlsen Center and was involved with many other activities there,” Monson said. “The mission and purpose of the center have always been close to my heart. I can think of no better way to use my time and talents than with this opportunity — to work alongside the wonderful and dedicated employees carrying on the legacy of the center’s namesake and inspiration, Dr. Anne Carlsen.”

Monson says he had the privilege of working closely over the years with Carlsen, who died in 2002.

“Although she had retired, she was still very active in the lives of students and served as a mentor to many, when I knew her,” Monson said. “She and I worked together as the organization evolved to meet the needs of the individuals whose care was entrusted to us.”

Last week, ACC announced that the former CEO Dan Howell had accepted the position of CEO of the Beatrice State Developmental Center in Beatrice, Neb. Rohleder said Howell will remain available to assist in the leadership transition as he prepares to begin his new position.

“We are extremely grateful for Dan’s contributions over the past 10 years and wish him well in his new role,” he said.

Rohleder said the search process for the permanent CEO position will commence later this year.

“The board remains fully committed to providing the highest quality services to individuals affected by developmental disabilities,” he said. “The Anne Carlsen Center will remain strong and effective, as we continue to offer skilled and compassionate care to children, young adults and families across North Dakota.”

The Anne Carlsen Center provides training, services and supports in homes and communities across North Dakota. On the Jamestown Campus, it provides for 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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