Earlier this week, NorthLakes Community Clinic announced a new chapter in its leadership, with Ana Tochterman stepping into the role of CEO on January 1, 2025. The transition speaks to the Federally Qualified Health Center’s commitment to delivering high-quality, integrated healthcare services to rural communities across northern Wisconsin.
Tochterman, who joined NorthLakes in 2018 and currently serves as Chief Experience Officer, combines years of expertise with a deep passion for providing patient-centered, inclusive care. Her work spans two decades in public health and community-based program management, with a strong background in mental health and healthcare operations. At NorthLakes, Tochterman has overseen health center operations, improved quality metrics and developed initiatives that address social determinants of health. In the Chief Experience Officer role, she’s been focused on improving the overall patient experience, identifying opportunities to strengthen services and care.
Tochterman’s plans for the CEO role? To deepen NorthLakes Community Clinic’s commitment to inclusive, recovery-oriented programming and expand the organization’s services. She aims to create an environment that prioritizes both patient and staff experiences. “I am honored to have earned the trust of our executive team and the board,” Tochterman said. “Our goal is to keep building a human-centered healthcare system that reflects the unique needs and resilience of our communities.”
Her journey into healthcare leadership began with a strong interest in social advocacy and community support. With master’s degrees in both Social Work and Urban Planning, Tochterman’s career has spanned program development, public health research, and mental health services for underserved populations. Her previous work includes projects for Columbia University’s Social Intervention Group, the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Mailman School of Public Health, among others.
“We have a unique opportunity to drive transformative change,” Tochterman said. “This transition is a step forward in strengthening our commitment to accessible, compassionate care for every individual, family, and community we serve.”
As Ana Tochterman steps into the CEO role, Reba Rice, NorthLakes’ founding CEO, will transition to the newly created position of Chief Community Officer, which will allow her to continue supporting the mission she helped shape over the last 16 years. Under Rice’s leadership, NorthLakes has grown from a startup in 2008 to a network of 20 clinics covering over 20,000 square miles. A pioneer in trauma – and resilience-informed practices, Rice has overseen the creation of Wisconsin’s largest school-based preventive oral health program, and the introduction of the broadest array of services of any FQHC in Wisconsin, tailored to meet the needs of rural communities.
Reflecting on her tenure, Rice shared her pride in the health center’s evolution and the team behind its success: “Together, we have redefined what rural healthcare can be…both in our state and across the region. These accomplishments belong to our visionary Board of Directors and our incredible team. The Board and the dedicated NorthLakes staff’s commitment is what has made our growth possible.”
At the start of the new year, Rice will transition into a new role focused on community engagement and advocacy. Taking on the CCO title, she will continue to work closely with NorthLakes leadership to advance community partnerships, fundraising efforts and advocacy initiatives that align with its priorities and intentions. The main goal: engage and maintain relationships with the many communities that NorthLakes serves.
Rice’s departure as CEO marks the end of an era, but she is very excited to embrace a new direction. Looking forward, Rice stated, “Ana has a vision—which I enthusiastically share—for how NorthLakes can be a driver for improving the social fabric of our communities to ensure that we live and work in healthy, prosperous, engaged communities where everyone thrives.”
For more information about NorthLakes Community Clinic, visit nlccwi.org.
