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. As the visionary CEO of Stroudwater Capital Partners, Brian is passionate about creating innovative solutions to bridge the funding gap in underserved communities. He has made it his mission to ensure rural healthcare providers have the resources they need to thrive.
Brian’s story is one of resilience and purpose. As an Ironman triathlete and stroke survivor, he understands the importance of persevering through difficult times and has firsthand experience with the life-changing impact of access to quality healthcare. His personal journey fuels his unwavering commitment to helping rural health systems overcome challenges, ensuring that no community is left behind. Drawing on over 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor and investment banker, Brian has guided rural health systems through the complexities of capital investment, enabling them to deliver critical care. His expertise has directly contributed to the planning and financing of over $1.5 billion in rural healthcare projects, creating lasting impacts in countless communities. A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned his master’s degree in health services administration, Brian combines deep industry knowledge with a relentless drive to support the leaders who sustain rural healthcare. His work not only improves access to capital but also empowers healthcare providers to reimagine what's possible for the communities they serve.
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."