Minnesota Healthcare Leader Brings Over 30 Years of Experience to Region’s Largest Provider of Autism Therapy
[Minneapolis, MN] – MAC Midwest, a leading provider of autism services in the Midwest, is proud to announce the appointment of Christine (Chris) Bent as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 6, 2025. Bent succeeds Jeff Nichols, who has served as CEO since 2018 and has been instrumental in advancing MAC’s mission of supporting individuals with autism and their families.
Bent was selected after an extensive nationwide search that attracted highly qualified candidates from across the country. Her proven leadership, people-focused approach, and alignment with MAC Midwest’s mission made her the unanimous choice of the Board of Directors.
“Chris is an extraordinary leader whose vision and expertise are exactly what MAC Midwest needs to propel the organization into its next chapter,” said Chad Peel, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her ability to lead with compassion, drive impactful change, and foster collaboration will strengthen our mission and expand our reach. As a MAC parent and Board Member, I am thrilled to welcome a leader of Chris’ caliber to the MAC family.”
“I am deeply honored to join MAC Midwest, an organization that has made such a meaningful impact on individuals with autism and their families,” said Bent. “The team’s dedication to compassionate care and unwavering support resonates deeply with me. I look forward to building on this strong foundation to continue improving lives and empowering the communities we serve.”
With over 30 years of leadership experience in healthcare, Bent brings a wealth of expertise and a record of distinguished achievements to MAC Midwest. She began her journey with formative roles at Atrius Health and Mass General Brigham, where she cultivated her expertise in clinical operations and patient-centered care. Over 12 years at Allina Health, she held key leadership roles, including President of the Allina Health Group. There she led transformative initiatives and achieved operational excellence during significant service expansion. Bent later served as Chief Operating Officer at Prime Therapeutics, overseeing a team of 3,300 employees managing pharmacy benefits for over 30 million members nationwide. Most recently, she was COO at InnovAge, where she scaled infrastructure to help seniors live with dignity and independence at home.
Beyond her professional achievements, Bent is deeply involved in the Minnesota community. She serves as a faculty advisor and mentor for the University of Minnesota’s Master’s in Healthcare Administration program. Recognized as a Twin Cities Business Notable Hero in Health Care (2020), she also served as President of the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST in 2021. Her dedication to service reflects her passion for making a meaningful difference in and out of the workplace.
About MAC Midwest
Founded in 1996, MAC Midwest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. MAC Midwest provides trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy and holistic family support services, focusing on empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. Serving learners from 18 months to 21 years old, MAC Midwest addresses key challenges such as safety, communication, and social interaction through innovative programming and a transdisciplinary approach. As one of the only providers in the region serving individuals who are moderately to severely impacted by autism, MAC Midwest remains committed to its mission of improving the lives of learners, families, and communities.
For Media Inquiries:
Alexis Dagit
Chief Development Director
612-488-9031
alexis.dagit@mnautism.org