Craig W. Abbott

President & Chief Executive Officer

Craig W. Abbott was named President & CEO of Saint Therese in 2022, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in aging services. A seasoned and highly respected industry leader, he is known for his strategic vision and deep expertise across all aspects of senior care and services.

At Saint Therese, Craig oversees more than 1,000 employees and provides executive leadership for the organization that promotes faith-based, person-centered care and support enabling all they serve to live well. Today, the nonprofit touches more than 7,000 lives through seven communities in three states, including four in Minnesota. 

Since joining the organization, Craig has helped expand Saint Therese’s reach with the acquisition of three senior living communities — one in Monroe, Mich., and two near Cleveland, Ohio — growth that contributed to today’s seven-community system. 

Craig began his nonprofit career in 1993 with Volunteers of America National Services and later served in leadership roles with The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society and Minnesota Masonic Homes. Before joining Saint Therese, he spent 17 years with Health Dimensions Group (HDG), ultimately serving as Executive Vice President, where he supported clients nationwide in management and consulting services.

Over his career, Craig has progressed from leading a single-site skilled nursing facility to overseeing multi-site operations, developing and opening new communities, and providing executive leadership on a national scale.

Since 2023, he has served on the Board of Directors for LeadingAge Minnesota, and in 2025 he was appointed Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors, joining the Executive Committee with a two-year term beginning January 1, 2026. 

Among his honors, Craig has received the Kal Michaels Administrator of the Year Award, led multiple organizations recognized as “Great Places to Work,” was appointed to Governor Pawlenty’s Task Force for State Veteran’s Homes, and was named to Leading Age Minnesota’s “50 for the Next 50.”

Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Hospital/Healthcare Administration from Moorhead State University, a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia College (Moorhead), and a MBA Certification in Healthcare, Business and Quality Management from the University of St. Thomas, Center for Medical Affairs in Minneapolis.

.Craig’s favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Do the Right Thing

Outside of work Craig likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, boat, fish, golf and is an avid Minnesota sports fan.

Three words that describe Craig: Dedicated. Driven. Integrous.