ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Neuroscience Group (NSG), established in 1991 by neurosurgeon Thomas A. Lyons MD, FACS, is an independent multi-specialty practice focused on the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of the nervous system: brain, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
Neuroscience Group has brought a sustained neurological presence to the Fox Cities, WI area, providing critical care for trauma patients, hospitalist care, and advanced therapy for brain tumor and spine surgery patients. Neuroscience Group physicians were integral to developing and certifying the ThedaCare Stroke Center and currently work with both local hospitals/health systems to treat stroke and other neurological issues.
The group has been located at different facilities throughout the Fox Valley, and eventually built and established their main campus in Neenah, WI. They have since expanded further, developing a second large practice-owned campus in Appleton. Providers also see patients from the region at satellite clinics throughout the northeast Wisconsin region. NSG currently has 11 total facilities.
Neuroscience Group has grown significantly since its founding. In particular, NSG has more than doubled in size over the last 10 years. Within the next few months, NSG will have 20 physicians, 22 advanced practitioners, 16 physical therapists, and over 200 total staff. Net revenues are approximately $85M.
Thirty-five years later, NSG’s goal is still the same: to deliver the most advanced treatment options and the most compassionate care to its patients and their families.
Neuroscience Group offers a fully integrated care model covering the continuum of neurological and spine care, including:
Core specialties:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Spine Surgery
- Interventional & Non-interventional Pain Management
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry)
- Endovascular (Neuroimaging, Neurointerventional Radiology, Vascular & Interventional Radiology)
Ancillary & support services:
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Imaging and neuro-diagnostics
- Concussion and memory care programs
- Clinical research and specialized treatment programs
Clinical approach:
- Emphasis on minimally invasive and non-surgical interventions where appropriate
- Use of advanced technologies (e.g., robotic-assisted spine surgery, image-guided therapies)
- Multidisciplinary care teams coordinating treatment plans across specialties
Market Position:
NSG is the only independent neuroscience-focused physician groups in Northeast Wisconsin offering a full continuum of brain, spine, and pain care under one organizational structure. NSG acts as a key specialty partner to regional health systems, particularly for neurosurgical and stroke-related services.
NSG differentiates through:
- Integrated, multi-specialty model
- Regional scale with community-based access points
- Strong physician-led governance and clinical alignment
NSG’s Values
Personal Care and Compassion: We treat everyone with compassion, dignity, fairness and honesty. Each patient and their family will receive the best healthcare available based on their individual needs.
Teamwork: We commit to a work environment where trust, honesty, integrity, mutual respect and open communication are reflected in all we do. Our ability to create synergy will speed us toward achieving our vision, mission, and goals.
Continuous Learning and Improvement: Motivated and inspired, we constantly expand our knowledge base as a means towards continued growth, improved quality and service innovation. We view change as an opportunity to enhance the services we provide.
Fiscal Responsibility: Our resources will be managed effectively and efficiently in order to maintain a financially strong organization and deliver superior services for our customers.
Initiative and Leadership: Team members are accountable for advancing the organization and achieving our vision, mission, values, and goals.
Community Involvement: We contribute to Neuroscience Group’s efforts to make a positive difference in the quality of life and wellness in our community.
THE OPPORTUNITY AND POSITION PURPOSE
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the senior executive leader of Neuroscience Group and is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, financial, and cultural leadership of the organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO partners closely with physician shareholders and administrative leadership to advance the organization’s mission, strengthen operational performance, drive growth, and ensure long-term sustainability and success in a complex and evolving healthcare environment.
This role exists to provide visionary leadership while balancing day-to-day operational excellence with long-term strategic growth. The CEO will champion a physician-led, professionally managed philosophy by aligning physicians, leaders, and staff around shared goals, strengthening organizational culture, and positioning Neuroscience Group for continued success as an independent physician-owned practice.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The CEO reports to The Board of Directors. The Board currently consists of 7 members who are all physician shareholders of NSG. Direct reports to the CEO amongst the administrative senior leadership team include: Director of Clinical Operations, Director of Finance & Revenue Cycle, Director of HR, Director of IT, and Director of Marketing.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Direction
- Develop and execute strategic initiatives in partnership with the Board of Directors and physician shareholders.
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Identify opportunities for organizational growth, service line expansion, and operational advancement.
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Lead long-term planning efforts to ensure organizational sustainability, competitiveness, and financial health.
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Support innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships aligned with organizational goals.
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Guide organizational change initiatives in a collaborative, thoughtful, and effective manner.
Operational Leadership
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Oversee day-to-day business operations across all departments to ensure efficiency, accountability, and operational excellence.
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Drive improvements in patient access, workflow optimization, operational integration, and service delivery.
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Monitor organizational performance metrics and implement strategies to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
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Ensure operational systems and leadership infrastructure support organizational growth and consistency.
Financial Stewardship
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Provide executive oversight of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
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Monitor key financial performance indicators and develop strategies to improve profitability and sustainability.
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Oversee revenue cycle performance, reimbursement optimization, and financial risk management.
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Support investment decisions related to facilities, technology, service lines, and organizational infrastructure.
Governance & Board Relations
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Serve as the primary executive liaison to the Board of Directors.
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Provide regular reporting on organizational performance, financial outcomes, strategic initiatives, and operational priorities.
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Support effective physician governance while ensuring strong executive leadership and management execution.
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Translate Board priorities into actionable organizational initiatives.
Leadership Development & Organizational Culture
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Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing leadership team.
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Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, transparency, and patient-centered care.
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Strengthen leadership infrastructure, succession planning, and organizational development initiatives.
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Promote visible, approachable, and engaged leadership throughout all levels of the organization.
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Lead organizational communication efforts through leadership forums, meetings, town halls, and written communications.
Physician Engagement & Workforce Planning
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Build and maintain strong working relationships with physicians, advanced practice providers, and organizational leaders.
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Support physician recruitment, provider workforce planning, and long-term succession strategies.
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Promote physician engagement, alignment, and collaboration across specialties and divisions.
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Partner with leaders to support balanced provider growth and strategic staffing initiatives.
Compliance, Legal & Regulatory Oversight
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Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and payer requirements affecting physician practice operations.
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Provide executive oversight of compliance programs related to, including but not limited to: HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules; Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements; CMS reimbursement and billing compliance; OSHA workplace safety standards; federal fraud and abuse laws, including Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law; False Claims Act compliance; EEOC, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and other federal employment laws; Wisconsin employment and healthcare regulatory requirements; and Wisconsin DHS and medical practice operational regulations, as applicable.
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Ensure organizational policies, leadership practices, and operational controls support compliance, risk mitigation, ethical business conduct, and regulatory readiness.
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Partner with legal counsel, compliance advisors, and physician leadership on matters involving regulatory risk, litigation prevention, and healthcare governance.
Employment & Legal Requirements
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Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable Wisconsin law.
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Must comply with all organizational policies related to confidentiality, privacy, security, and professional conduct.
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Must successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings as permitted by law, which may include: employment verification; education verification; background check consistent with federal and Wisconsin law; and exclusion screening, as applicable for healthcare organizations.
- Must maintain eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with federal law.
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Must participate in required organizational training related to compliance, privacy, workplace safety, harassment prevention, and healthcare regulatory requirements.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
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Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, finance, or related field.
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Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive executive leadership experience within healthcare organizations.
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Demonstrated experience leading complex operational, financial, and strategic initiatives.
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Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, operational metrics, and performance management.
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Proven ability to lead organizational change, build teams, and drive performance improvement.
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Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship management skills.
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Demonstrated understanding of healthcare regulatory and compliance frameworks applicable to physician practice operations, including reimbursement, privacy, fraud and abuse, and employment law.
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Experience working within highly regulated healthcare environments with responsibility for compliance oversight, risk management, and governance.
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Knowledge of executive accountability related to federal and state healthcare laws affecting physician-owned medical practices.
Preferred:
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Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), or related advanced degree.
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Prior experience as a CEO, COO, Executive Director, or senior healthcare executive.
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Experience in physician-owned medical practices strongly preferred.
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Multispecialty medical group leadership experience preferred.
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Strong knowledge of physician practice operations, healthcare finance, reimbursement models, and revenue cycle management.
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Experience with provider recruitment, leadership development, and strategic growth initiatives.
Leadership Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strategic vision with strong operational execution
- Emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills
- Financial and business acumen
- High integrity and professional accountability
- Conflict resolution and consensus-building ability
- Strong communication and executive presence
- Collaborative, team-oriented leadership style
- Ability to effectively navigate physician-owned governance structures
- Visible, approachable, and trust-building leadership presence
- Ability to balance transactional execution with transformational leadership initiatives
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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.
