Brian Haapala, MHSA
CEO
A man of many passions, Brian is a former radio DJ, youth football coach, and college cheerleader who currently loves to sail. When life slows down, he and his family can be found crisscrossing the country in a vintage RV dubbed Rosie the Roadboat.
Brian Haapala has served as trusted advisor to health executives for over two decades, focused on developing sustainable healthcare systems in rural communities.
Throughout his career, Brian has planned/financed over $1.5 billion in facility projects, including replacements, renovations, and expansions for critical access hospitals, health centers, and clinics. He holds a masters degree in hospital administration and has dedicated his career over two decades to serving rural people and places as a consultant and banker and has been board-certified in healthcare management and licensed as a financial advisor and municipal securities representative. He additionally serves as an instructor for the National Rural Health Associations CFO Certification Program.
Access to healthcare is something many of us don’t think about—until the moment we need it. That moment came for me in 2016, when I suffered five ischemic strokes in the course of two weeks. I was fortunate to find quick access to the care I needed, and now spend each day working towards a future where more people have the same opportunity."