Executive Biography
Linda's impact
Leadership that bridges governance, policy, & community impact
Linda Little’s professional and civic leadership extends beyond organizational management into national healthcare associations, state-appointed commissions, and community boards. Her involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to advancing quality, accountability, and equity across healthcare and human service systems.
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Linda Little
A visionary healthcare executive and systems thinker with nearly three decades of experience advancing integrated health and human services, Linda Little serves as President & CEO of the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) and is recognized as a 2024 Crain’s Health Care Hero and a 2023 Crain’s Detroit Business 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan.
Recognized nationally for her work in population health management and care integration, Linda’s leadership philosophy centers on building strategic partnerships and empowering diverse teams. She brings a rare blend of clinical expertise and operational acumen, honed through decades of leadership roles across both nonprofit and for-profit healthcare systems. Her approach balances compassionate care with business strategy, resulting in sustainable, community-driven impact.
At NSO, Linda has led sweeping transformation. Under her leadership, the organization reversed a three-year structural deficit within her first year, opened Detroit’s first Healthy Housing Center, expanded permanent supportive housing, and secured a $4 million federal grant to scale innovative Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. During the COVID-19 crisis, she mobilized a citywide response that delivered testing, food security, and recuperative housing to thousands—earning her a seat on Michigan’s COVID-19 Task Force on Racial Disparities.
Previously, as Chief Clinical Officer at Total Health Care, Linda implemented a population health strategy that reduced medical costs by 30% while improving patient outcomes. At Tenet-Detroit Medical Center, she served as Regional Vice President of Care Management, leading system integration, transitions of care, and CMS innovation pilots under the Affordable Care Act.
Linda holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy and an MBA in Organizational Development from Wayne State University. She is certified in Case Management and Lean Performance Improvement and is a published author and sought-after speaker on accountable care and nursing leadership.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
Linda Little’s professional memberships, leadership programs, and public appointments reflect her deep commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. Her active engagement across healthcare, finance, governance, and public service organizations underscores her role as a respected leader and trusted voice in advancing integrated care, health equity, and community-based solutions.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
Case Management Society of America (CMSA)
Re-hospitalization Reduction Task Force, MPRO-Michigan
Re-hospitalization Reduction Task Force, MPRO-Michigan
Michigan Community Service Commission
Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Commission
American Hospital Association – Institute for Diversity
Detroit Regional Chamber – Leadership Detroit, Class XXIX
MPRO-Michigan (CMS Quality Improvement Organization)
TPG International — Healthcare Executive Study Mission Delegate (U.S.–Spain)
