August 1, 2019

We are excited to announce the hiring of Wendy Waddell as our new chief operating officer (COO), effective Aug. 1, 2019. Waddell brings more than 25 years’ experience in psychiatric care leadership to our organization. In her role as COO, Waddell will lead People Incorporated’s Strategic Business Units in successful and comprehensive client services.

“Wendy’s deep experience in serving the Twin Cities mental health community will play a critical role as People Incorporated continues to lead the way in providing innovative, integrated mental health services to those who need it most,” said Jill Wiedemann-West, CEO of People Incorporated. “As we celebrate our 50th year, we’re also celebrating our growing team, which is made up of more than 700 individuals like Wendy whose skills, experience and dedication to our mission make our organization even stronger.”

“Wendy will assist us in telling the all-important story about the vulnerable and complex individuals we work with, and how to ensure that these individuals receive high quality, consistent and sustainable care,” said Jim Olson, People Incorporated’s chief financial officer.

Prior to People Incorporated, Waddell served as the director of inpatient mental health at Regions Hospital for more than a decade. In addition to her professional achievements, Waddell has demonstrated a deep commitment to the wider community People Incorporated serves. She is a member of the Minnesota Hospital Association Mental Health Taskforce for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) collaboration and a guiding member of the “Make It OK” anti-stigma campaign Steering Committee. Waddell earned a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Manitoba, a Master of Nursing with a specialization in psychiatry from the University of Texas, as well as a Ph.D. in health care administration from Capella University.

Waddell joins People Incorporated during a milestone year. We are honoring our 50th anniversary in 2019 with a celebration on Oct. 4 at the Radisson Blu, Mall of America. The evening will feature inspiring, motivating speakers and world-renowned live entertainment, bringing together all of People Incorporated’s partners who have made it possible for the organization to provide vital mental health services to the community for the past 50 years. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs and services for individuals living with mental health conditions.