About Us

Scott Riddle, Chief Executive Officer and President, leads all aspects of Walker Methodist's operations, mission, vision, and strategy.

As Chief Executive Officer and President, Scott leads the development of organizational strategies, as well as oversees the creation and implementation of the organization’s mission, vision and direction. He joined the organization as Chief Financial Officer in April 2013 and was named Chief Executive Officer and President in 2014.

Prior to joining Walker Methodist, Scott worked as the Vice President of Finance at Ecumen. His professional experience includes Finance roles at International Multifoods and Northwest Airlines and in diverse industries such as consumer auto rental and medical device, among others. He holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bethel College. He volunteers his time as a Member of the Board on the Finance Committee for Aging Services of Minnesota.

Scott was recently named a Top 100 Influential Healthcare Leader by Minnesota Physicians Magazine. This award is a tremendous honor for Scott and the entire Walker Methodist family.

Russ joined the leadership team in January 2017. Russ was most recently CFO with Bloom Health Corporation and formerly with International Dairy Queen as Vice President of Financial Services. He holds a Bachelors of Business and Public Relations in Accounting from the University of North Dakota.

He leads all financial aspects of Walker Methodist including internal and external reporting, budgeting and financial analysis, cash & investment management, revenue cycle management, audits, and risk management. In addition, Russ oversees the Environmental Services and Informational Technology teams.

In his free time, Russ enjoys running, tending to his perennial garden, as well as spending time with his wife Karen and their three sons at home or up at the family cabin. He is also an active volunteer for the Eden Prairie Boys Basketball Association and serves on the Stewardship Council at Pax Christi Catholic Community.

As Chief Operating Officer, Anneliese Peterson leads the operations and services provided by Walker Methodist’s housing communities. This includes providing expertise and vision for each community in their effort to offer the highest quality customer service.

Before joining Walker Methodist in 2013, Anneliese worked at Sunrise Senior Living for 11 years. In her positions with Sunrise, she served in roles in human resources, later becoming the Executive Director for numerous communities and served as the Regional Director of Operations in Minnesota.

Anneliese currently volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association on their Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Development Committees. She is also very involved with LeadingAge MN and has served as a past co-chair of the Housing Cabinet and as a member of the Quality Council.

Anneliese holds a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Organizational Communication from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Sarah Wandschneider is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Walker Methodist and has been part of our team since April 2015.

As Chief Human Resources Officer, Sarah leads her team in supporting Walker Methodist through a consultative, innovative, and adaptable approach to ensure solutions are in alignment with our mission, vision, and values.

Sarah is known for building solid business relationships throughout the organization from the Board to the leadership team and front-line team members. Prior to her time at Walker Methodist, Sarah worked at Affinity Plus Credit Union, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and C.H. Robinson. Sarah has a Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and a Masters of Arts from Ottawa University, Kansas.

Beverly Ransford, Vice President of Quality and Clinical Services, joined the team at Walker Methodist in 2020. Having served as a Director of Nursing, Director of Clinical Services, and Quality Assurance Consultant, Bev has brought a wealth of industry knowledge to the Walker Methodist team.

Among her notable achievements, Bev served as a member of the Minnesota Directors of Nursing/Administration Association, and she was the 2005 recipient of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing’s John A. Hartford Award for Excellence in Gerontological Nursing.

Bev has earned degrees and certifications from Minneapolis Community College, American Nurses Credentialing Center, and University of St. Francis.