Clete Winkelmann Selected as Executive Director of Nexus-PATH


Clete Winkelmann

“Clete is an accomplished executive with decades of experience in child welfare including foster care, residential, education and mental health services. His drive to bring positive change to communities will be essential as Nexus-PATH continues to expand its impactful work.”

After an extensive search, Nexus Family Healing announced Clete Winkelmann, M.S., as the Executive Director of its North Dakota foster care agency, Nexus-PATH Family Healing.

As Executive Director, Winkelmann will lead strategy, programming, and daily operations of Nexus-PATH, overseeing the range of foster care and community-based mental health programs for youth and families across the state.

Winkelmann has worked in human services since 1986, ranging from foster care case management to leading community support and mental health organizations. Most recently, Winkelmann served as President and CEO of the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation. Prior to that, he oversaw several health clinics and a community mental health facility in central Illinois as Senior Vice President of Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness. Winkelmann says this experience was critical in learning the value of integrated care to achieve the greatest outcomes for consumers.

Winkelmann has served on numerous state and local boards including the Child Care Association of Illinois and has been involved with the Foster Kids are Our Kids Steering Committee, working to recruit foster parents throughout Illinois.

“Clete is an accomplished executive with decades of experience in child welfare including foster care, residential, education and mental health services. His drive to bring positive change to communities will be essential as Nexus-PATH continues to expand its impactful work,” states Bobbi Kochevar, Chief Officer of Child and Family Services for Nexus Family Healing.

Winkelmann will take over as Nexus-Path Executive Director on March 1, following Nancy McKenzie, who is retiring from the role.

About Nexus-PATH Family Healing

Nexus-PATH Family Healing is part of Nexus Family Healing, a national nonprofit network of mental health agencies with over 45 years of restoring hope for thousands of children and families through outpatient/community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. We use innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Learn more at nexusfamilyhealing.org.

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