Changemaker Leadership: The Accomplishments of Linda Little
Transformational Leadership in Action
Over the past six years, Linda Little led a comprehensive transformation of NSO—guiding the organization from financial instability to long-term sustainability while repositioning it as a nationally recognized leader in integrated health, housing, and community-based care. Through disciplined financial management, innovative service design, strategic partnerships, and mission-driven growth, these accomplishments reflect a deliberate shift from a traditional social service agency to a high-performing, community-based healthcare and housing development enterprise.
Financial Turnaround & Sustainable Growth
Turned around NSO’s financial health, moving the agency from years of deficits and less than 30 days cash on hand to sustained surpluses, more than 90 days cash on hand, and annual operating revenue growth from $18M to $30M.
Transformation to Integrated Healthcare Delivery
Transformed NSO into a community-based integrated healthcare organization, including development of four Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and implementation of a Behavioral Health Home Model of Care grounded in the bio-psycho-social framework.
Nationally Recognized Health & Housing Innovation
Built nationally recognized health and housing models, including the nation’s first $30M Healthy Housing Campus, Detroit’s first medical respite program for the homeless, and the only emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing in Detroit offering integrated healthcare services.
System Redesign for Housing Stability
Led major system and service redesigns, converting a 24-hour homeless walk-in center into an emergency shelter model and successfully transitioning all individuals served into housing.
Strategic Expansion & Health Plan Partnerships
Expanded strategic partnerships and market reach, establishing contracts with all Michigan health plans for behavioral health services and acquiring Partners 4 Health to deliver complex, community-based care management solutions.
Capital Formation & Asset Growth
Raised and stewarded significant capital, securing $13M during the pandemic for the Detroit Healthy Housing Center, improving NSO Properties’ net assets, divesting external partners to achieve full ownership of the Bell Building, and launching an agency investment fund.
Market Leadership & National Influence
Positioned NSO as a recognized leader and subject matter expert, branding the organization as a health and housing development leader and earning recognition from city, state, and national stakeholders for best practices in integrated care, health equity, and social justice.
Enterprise Modernization & Organizational Excellence
Modernized governance, operations, and infrastructure, including board development, talent development, strategic purchasing policies, and investments in facilities and systems to support a highly reliable, enterprise-level organization.
Vision, Strategy & Executive Leadership
Established long-term strategic direction and credibility, creating a new mission, vision, and multi-year strategic plan, redesigning organizational structure, and forming high-profile partnerships with organizations such as McKinsey and Wayne Health.
Driving Change Through Leadership: Linda Little
Together, these accomplishments reflect Linda Little’s role as a proven changemaker—one who leads with vision, discipline, and purpose.
Her leadership has strengthened organizational performance while advancing innovative, equitable solutions that continue to shape the future of community-based health, housing, and integrated care.
