Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Cindi Sorensen Baker has joined the senior management team as chief operating officer (COO).
In her role as COO, Baker will primarily be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of Riverwood’s clinics in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor, along with overseeing several ancillary services departments, including Lab, Radiology and Rehabilitation.
Baker has 29 years of progressive leadership experience with Essentia Health in Duluth. As a registered nurse, she worked four years at St. Mary’s Medical Center before spending the next 14 years as both a manager and director of clinic operations. More recently, she served nine years as the vice president of Medical Specialties.
“Cindi brings extensive experience in supporting patient care operations across various independent and employed physician practices, spanning multiple physician and advanced practice provider specialties,” says Chad Cooper, Riverwood chief executive officer. “We are thrilled to have her join our senior management team and support the continued growth and investment in our physician and provider practices throughout Aitkin County and the surrounding area .”
Baker earned a B.A. degree in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and a mini-MBA in Healthcare Administration from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis.
“I have devoted my career to healthcare administration, with a passion for ensuring that we, in partnership with the communities we serve, make decisions with a focus on the health and well-being of our patients,” Baker says. “Riverwood’s dedication to the community and its collaborative culture became evident in the interview process and was the deciding factor in attracting me to take the COO position. I look forward to working in a rural healthcare setting and getting acquainted with local residents.”
Cindi and her husband Mark, a retired Minnesota State Trooper, have a blended family of one teenage son, Brady, and five adult children, Grant, Justin, Cody, and twins Kristin and Kaitlyn. Their family also includes two Goldendoodles, Mulligan and Maddy. They enjoy family activities of all kinds, hiking, church activities and Harley riding.
