Allina Health appoints Doug Watson as Chief Financial Officer

MINNEAPOLIS (May 29, 2024) — Allina Health is pleased to announce that Doug Watson, who has served as interim finance executive since January, has been named Chief Financial Officer of Allina Health.

Watson comes to Allina Health from Sharp Healthcare, where he served as Interim Executive Vice President and System Chief Financial Officer. Prior to Sharp Healthcare, he served in executive roles at a variety of health care systems across the United States, including Senior Vice President and System Chief Financial Officer of UnityPoint Health; Chief Financial Officer of the Southwest division of CommonSpirit; and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at PeaceHealth. 

“During his time in an interim role, Doug has quickly proven himself as a great addition to Allina Health who is aligned in our mission,” said Lisa Shannon, Allina Health President and CEO. “Nonprofit health systems across the country have experienced many financial challenges in recent years, and Doug joins a team of passionate Allina Health employees, from leaders to frontline workers, dedicated to ensuring we are in a position to provide exceptional care for our communities well into the future.”

Watson is an innovative health care leader who brings transformational business and operations experience as well as a strength in building high performing teams. He was recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the top 113 innovative leaders in health care in 2022, and previously as a “CFO to know” by Becker’s. Watson is also a Certified Public Accountant and has experience working as a partner at several global health management consulting firms. 

“I am tremendously excited to accept this role at Allina Health and continue working closely with a great team to build on 140 years of excellence. Allina Health is a nationally recognized leader in providing clinical quality and investing in partnerships and innovative programs to improve the health and wellbeing of those they serve. It is an honor to contribute to the growth and continued success of that tradition,” said Watson. 

Allina Health’s former Chief Financial Officer, Ric Magnuson, announced he was leaving the organization in early 2024 after 25 years of cumulative service. Magnuson and Watson have worked together for months to ensure a smooth transition.

Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.  

At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:  

• Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.  
• Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.  
• Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.  

Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.