TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Shanna Swanson

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Shanna Swanson, a twenty-year veteran in the health services sector, is the president, CEO, and founder of North Star Consultants, LLC. Founded in 2024 and based in Minnesota, North Star Consultants offers specialized consulting services for skilled nursing homes and assisted living communities, aiming to enhance the quality of care and operational efficiency in these vital healthcare sectors.

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Shanna's journey in health services began with a deeply personal experience. Her grandfather’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and the emotional toll it took on her family, but especially her mom, inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to improving the lives of older adults. This passion led her to earn a B.S. in health care administration and a Master of Arts in holistic health studies, equipping her with a robust foundation in both management and comprehensive approaches to health care and aging.

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Shanna started her career at a group home in Milwaukee the summer before beginning her internship at the now-closed Ebenezer Hall in Minneapolis, which was founded in 1919 by a group of Norwegian churches to create an “Old Folk’s Home Society.” Her first significant role was as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) at Golden LivingCenters. Over the years, she transitioned from nursing homes to assisted living, continually seeking ways to improve the standards of care. In her most recent role as regional director of operations, Shanna oversaw multiple assisted living communities, ensuring financial stability, workforce satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. This deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by long-term care providers, especially regarding staffing shortages and dementia care, has been instrumental in her success.

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In the fall of last year, like many caregivers in the sandwich generation—a dual caregiving role of simultaneously caring for her own aging parents and children—Shanna faced burnout and decided to leave her position to pursue a better work-life balance. However, her expertise was soon sought after by LeadingAge Minnesota, where she conducted data analysis on regulatory and compliance surveys following changes in assisted living laws and regulations. This opportunity further solidified her role as a thought leader in the field.

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Recognizing the critical need for skilled nursing staff, Shanna also specializes in registered nurse placement. She assists providers in navigating the intricate landscape of international nurse recruitment, addressing extreme staffing shortages by integrating newly immigrated nurses into American culture. Her empathy for executive directors and directors of nursing in nursing homes and assisted living communities, born from her own experiences, drives her to support these professionals in delivering exceptional care.

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A significant turning point in Shanna’s career came when she attended the inaugural gala of the Philippine Nurses Association of Central Minnesota. This event led to partnerships with the local Filipino community of nurses, immigration attorneys, and other international nurse recruiters, helping to facilitate the placement of Filipino nurses in long-term care settings across the U.S. This initiative not only addresses extreme staffing shortages but also provides Filipino nurses with the chance to build prosperous lives in the U.S., creating a win-win situation for all involved.

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Shanna Swanson’s dedication to improving long-term care, her innovative approach to staffing solutions, and her commitment to professional development have made her a respected leader in the field. Through North Star Consultants, she continues to make a positive impact, ensuring that older adults receive the high-quality care they deserve while supporting the healthcare professionals who serve them.

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Shanna Swanson, LHSE

President/CEO and Founder

North Star Consultants, LLC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannaswanson