Seasons Hospice director tapped for state position

The current director of Seasons Hospice, which partly serves Steele County, is moving onto a state position.

Kristina Wright-Peterson will become executive director of the Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care (MNHPC) on June 1. She currently is the director of Seasons Hospice based in Rochester. Seasons expanded to Owatonna and Blooming Prairie last year and has been instrumental in leading the effort to reopen the Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.

MNHPC serves as the leading voice for hospice and palliative care providers across Minnesota, advocating for high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care. Notably, Wright-Peterson will be the first MNHPC executive director with direct experience as a hospice provider—a milestone that underscores the importance of practitioner-led leadership in shaping the future of hospice care.

“Seasons Hospice will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Wright-Peterson. “Even more importantly, it will serve as the benchmark for the high-quality end-of-life care that should be accessible to everyone in our great state.”

Seasons Hospice expresses deep gratitude for Wright-Peterson’s outstanding leadership. “While we will miss her dedication and expertise, we recognize the importance of having strong, experienced leadership at the state level to advance hospice and palliative care for all Minnesotans,” said Nancy Hintz, director of development and engagement for Seasons. “Thanks to the strength of our leadership team, Seasons Hospice remains committed to continuing the exceptional care for which we are known.”

During her tenure, Wright-Peterson successfully navigated workforce and funding challenges, expanded services to rural communities—including Owatonna and Blooming Prairie—and fostered partnerships with other hospice providers to enhance respite care at the Seasons Hospice House. Her leadership has positioned Seasons Hospice to thrive well into the future. She will continue to serve as director through May.

In her new role at MNHPC, Wright-Peterson will advocate for hospice and palliative care providers, addressing increasing regulatory oversight and raising public awareness about the vital role these services play in Minnesotans’ lives. She is committed to securing the necessary resources and policies to strengthen and expand access to quality hospice and palliative care throughout the state and beyond.