Executive Leadership Spotlight: Becky
Peitersen
At Ebenezer, our leaders bring a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and passions to the work they do each day. Through our new Executive Leadership Spotlight series, we're giving employees an opportunity to get to know the people behind our leadership team, from the career journeys that brought them to Ebenezer to the philosophies that guide their work today.
We're kicking off the series with Becky Peitersen, Senior HR Business Partner, whose connection to senior care began long before she started her career at Ebenezer more than two decades ago.
Tell us about your career journey. What led you to your current role at Ebenezer?
My connection to senior care started early. I began volunteering at my local skilled nursing facility in high school and developed a deep connection with older adults and their life journeys.
I went on to earn my bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. As part of the program, I completed a yearlong internship at St. Therese in New Hope and was hired as an HR Generalist after completing my internship.
After three years, I was looking for an opportunity to grow my career, which led me to Ebenezer in 2003. I joined Ebenezer Ridges Care Center as Director of Human Resources.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to take on several different roles. In 2012, while the Ridges campus was building Arbors at Ridges, I stepped into a yearlong Interim Administrator role, the one and only time I've officially used my Administrator's license!
In 2017, I transitioned to Corporate and became Ebenezer's first official recruiter. I built the Recruitment team from a team of one—myself—to a team of four. When the HR department was restructured and merged with Fairview in 2019, I moved into an HR Strategist role supporting both Ebenezer and Fairview partners. Today, I continue to support both organizations as a Senior HR Business Partner.
What's one leadership lesson or philosophy that has shaped how you lead?
The belief that people come first. When employees feel valued, supported and heard, they are empowered to do their best work and provide exceptional care to those we serve.
I strive to lead with empathy, transparency and authenticity, building strong relationships and fostering an environment where people can grow, succeed and support one another.
What's something your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I love attending concerts and music festivals! In a typical year, I'll attend more than 20 concerts, ranging from small venues and unknown bands to sold-out shows in large stadiums and venues.
I especially love discovering new bands and then watching them develop into successful musical careers.
What do you enjoy most about supporting our employees and leaders across Ebenezer?
For me, it's the strong sense of family and community. People genuinely care about one another, and it's rewarding to partner with leaders and team members who are committed to supporting each other, serving our residents and making a positive difference every day.
Being part of an organization that values relationships, compassion and teamwork makes the work especially meaningful.
What's one thing you wish every employee knew about the HR team and how they can support them?
I wish every employee knew that HR is here to be a partner, not just a department that handles policies, benefits or employee relations issues.
Our goal is to support employees and leaders throughout the employee experience, help solve challenges, and create a positive, fair and successful workplace.
The best way employees can partner with HR is by communicating openly, asking questions early and reaching out proactively. That allows us to provide guidance, resources and solutions before small issues become larger concerns.
Get to know our leaders
Stay tuned for more Executive Leadership Spotlights as we introduce the leaders helping shape Ebenezer's future and learn more about the experiences, perspectives and passions they bring to their work.