Sagent Behavioral Health announced the appointment of Shawna Gisch as Chief Executive Officer. She succeeds Mark Peterson, who will remain on the company’s Board of Directors.
Gisch brings more than two decades of healthcare leadership experience, having held roles at UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, and Optum Rx. Her background includes expertise in Medicaid, healthcare policy, and large scale operational management.
Under Peterson’s leadership, Sagent underwent a significant transformation, including the acquisition and integration of Ellie Mental Health’s 23 Minnesota clinics and a rebrand that unified multiple legacy organizations, including Nystrom & Associates, under the Sagent Behavioral Health name. These initiatives expanded the company’s clinical footprint and strengthened its platform for future growth.
Gisch is expected to lead Sagent’s next phase of expansion, focusing on scaling its behavioral health platform, improving operational efficiency, and building strategic partnerships. The company currently operates more than 80 clinics and employs approximately 2,000 people across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and North Dakota, providing therapy, psychiatry, and related mental health services for patients ages three and older.
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“From the outset, my role was to guide Sagent through a critical period of transition and position the organization for long term success. Shawna brings the operational discipline, policy expertise, and commitment to access that will accelerate Sagent’s next phase of growth. The Board and I have full confidence in her ability to lead the organization forward.”
Mark Peterson, Former CEO, Sagent Behavioral Health
“I’m honored to join Sagent at such a pivotal moment. The organization has built a strong foundation, and I look forward to partnering with the team to expand access to high quality behavioral health services, strengthen clinical support, and deepen collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.”
Shawna Gisch, Chief Executive Officer, Sagent Behavioral Health
