Allina Health names new Abbott Northwestern Hospital Chief Nursing Officer

Steven Dickson previously served as the hospital’s Director of Patient Care

MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 15, 2025) — Allina Health is excited to announce Steven Dickson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC will serve as Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Dickson joined Allina Health in 2021 as a Director of Patient Care at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, beginning in Mental Health Services, and later expanding to support Emergency and Trama Services. Dickson will begin serving in his new role upon the retirement of current Abbott Northwestern Hospital CNO, Carol Koeppel-Olsen.

With more than 16 years in nursing and nursing leadership, Dickson is exceptionally well-positioned to lead Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s nursing practice during this pivotal and exciting time in health care. Over the past four years, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in patient care, safety and experience, by creating systems and processes that have enhanced our nursing practice and improved care team member safety. He also played a key role in the design of our new Richard M. Schulze Surgical and Critical Care Center set to open in 2026.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead within an organization that has a strong nursing history and is among the top 2% of hospitals nationally to achieve four-time Magnet® Recognition for nursing excellence,” said Dickson. "I'm honored to step into this role and collaborate with our teams to continue advancing nursing excellence, lead transformative change in health care and improve patient outcomes." Prior to coming to Allina Health, Dickson’s background includes nursing leadership roles at the Minnesota Department of Human Services and M Health Fairview as well as a nursing instructor at various colleges.

David Joos, Senior Vice President of Metro Markets (which includes Abbott Northwestern Hospital) added, "I have had the pleasure of working with Steven over the past four years. His experience, strong leadership, and passion for excellence in patient care, make him a valuable addition to our Abbott Northwestern Leadership Team. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue transforming care to improve the health of our community."

Steven Dickson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Abbott Northwestern Hospital's new Chief Nursing Officer.

About Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Abbott Northwestern Hospital, part of Allina Health, is the largest private hospital in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area in Minnesota. Abbott Northwestern Hospital is nationally and locally recognized for its clinically distinctive programs in oncology, cardiovascular and neurology and its exceptional expertise and care. Each year, the hospital serves more than 200,000 patients and their families from across the Twin Cities and upper Midwest.