Dennis leads with purpose, perspective
PLYMOUTH, Minn. – For Patricia Dennis ’95, CEO and board director of Fulcrum Health, Inc., leadership isn’t just about strategy — it’s about people and perseverance. And it’s a journey that, in many ways, traces back to her time as a non-traditional student at Minot State University.
Dennis, who grew up in Sturgis, South Dakota, as one of seven siblings, found early inspiration in her family’s values of service and education. Her mother, a teacher, and her father, an occupational therapist, instilled in her a deep appreciation for education and sparked her early interest in healthcare. A lifelong learner and athlete, Dennis credits team sports like softball and volleyball — later coaching high school and travel teams — with helping her develop critical leadership skills.
“Sports taught me essential leadership skills, teamwork, and how to adapt to different situations — qualities that have been invaluable throughout my career,” she said.
After marrying and moving to Minot for her husband’s job, Dennis enrolled at Minot State to complete her degree. With full support and encouragement from her husband, Chuck, she embraced the experience with focus and determination at age 33.
“As a non-traditional student, I had a deep appreciation for the experience and valued the diversity of perspectives,” Dennis said. “I chose business because it applies across all industries. As I progressed through my coursework, I realized it was exactly where I belonged.”
She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and was named Minot State’s Business Student of the Year in 1994–95.
Following graduation, Dennis launched a career marked by strategic growth and bold leadership. She began in banking, earning her Series 7 license, before pivoting to healthcare. In her first healthcare role, she was hired as the director of human resources — but on her first day, was asked to manage utilization management instead.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but that pivot opened doors,” she said. “Over five years, I expanded my responsibilities to include credentialing, quality, regulatory compliance, and helped refine processes at their New York office.”
From there, Dennis rose through the ranks at some of the region’s largest healthcare organizations. She served as VP and general manager at Medica Health Plans for over a decade, where she led the creation of their medical management company and helped introduce Accountable Care Organization (ACO) clinical care integration — work that earned her recognition as one of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s “Women to Watch.”
She continued to make her mark at Healthways, a global health and well-being organization, and HealthPartners, a $7 billion integrated health system, where she reduced total cost of care by 17% through innovative integration of health plan services with care delivery.
In 2017, Dennis took the helm at Fulcrum Health, a nonprofit physical medicine benefit management company. Since then, she has led the organization through significant transformation. Under her leadership, Fulcrum has seen a 64% increase in revenue and a 156% increase in EBITDA.
She credits her success to a combination of vision, mentorship, and knowing how to build effective teams.
“At Minot State, I learned the critical lesson that you don’t have to know everything — you just need to know where to find the answers,” she said. “That mindset has been instrumental in leading diverse teams and empowering people with the right expertise.”
Beyond the executive suite, Dennis has dedicated her time and talent to a wide range of corporate and nonprofit boards, including the American Association of Payors, Administrators and Networks (AAPAN), Walker Methodist Senior Living, and the CEO Round Table, where she serves as board chair.
A lifelong learner, she has completed advanced executive education through Duke University, Harvard Business School, the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, and St. Thomas University. She’s also a committed mentor, supporting future leaders in healthcare and business.
Today, she is focused on expanding strategic partnerships, advancing employer-driven initiatives, and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a framework designed to align organizational goals and foster strong leadership teams.
Looking ahead, Dennis plans to continue growing her impact through governance and mentorship.
“I’m looking to expand my board work and continue making a broader impact through leadership,” she said. “And I’m always reminded of the importance of giving back.”
To students at Minot State hoping to follow a similar path, she offers this advice:
“Mentors and leaders are eager to help, but it’s essential to clearly articulate your goals and demonstrate how they can support you,” she said. “Make it easy for them to say yes.”
Today, Dennis remains grateful for the foundation MSU provided.
“It was a pivotal time in my life,” she said. “It shaped both my career and personal growth.”
When she’s not leading teams or serving on boards, Dennis enjoys golfing and spending time with her husband, Chuck, and their three grandchildren.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 06/19/25
