She was named a 2024 Crain’s Health Care Hero and one of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women in 2023, for her pioneering work in health and housing integration—a recognition reserved for individuals making a profound impact on the health outcomes of Michigan communities. Under her guidance, NSO has also been featured in Forbes and Fortune magazines, further validating the organization’s innovative approach as a national model for solving complex social challenges.

When Linda Little stepped into leadership, NSO was facing serious financial headwinds. Years of deficits and fewer than 30 days of cash on hand put the organization at risk. Through a rigorous application of business principles—eliminating costly legacy programs, restructuring operations to align with emerging funding models like fee-for-service reimbursement, and instilling discipline in purchasing policies—NSO made a dramatic turnaround. Today, the organization has enjoyed multiple years of operating at a surplus, resources to perform facility updates, and establishment of investment accounts for a rainy day .

But Linda’s vision extended beyond balancing budgets. Under her leadership, NSO has transitioned from a traditional social service agency to a dynamic, community-based integrated healthcare organization. This evolution includes the launch of four certified community behavioral health clinics and the implementation of a behavioral health home Model of Care grounded in the bio-psycho-social approach.

With contracts now in place with every major health plan in the state, NSO has become a trusted provider of integrated behavioral health services for vulnerable populations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda used her hospital and disaster planning experience to serve as a resource hub to issue personal protective equipment, provide COVID-19 testing, food distribution and case management services within severely impacted neighborhoods. In addition, she led an ambitious fundraising effort that brought in $13 million to support the agency’s expansion and launch of the Detroit Healthy Housing Center.

Linda rebranded the organization as a leader in health equity and housing development. She invested in facilities that now attract a broader, commercially insured population, while also expanding services for individuals with chronic and complex medical needs.

Her efforts have earned NSO recognition from agencies around the country, who now turn to the organization for best practices in community-based care.  Strategic partnerships with renowned institutions such as McKinsey & Company and Wayne Health have elevated NSO’s brand, while internally, a complete restructuring of the organization aligned its staff and board with the ambitious goals outlined in the organization’s strategic plan.  This plan reflects Linda’s commitment to long-term sustainability and systemic change. 

Under Linda’s leadership, NSO’s annual operating revenue has surged from $18 million to $30 million. She has strengthened NSO Properties’ net assets, transitioned its pension fund to further support the agency’s goals, and gained full ownership of the historic Bell Building by divesting from investment partners—an achievement that underscores NSO’s growing independence and strength.