Nathan Simpson: Profile & Insights
- Nathan Simpson is the new CEO of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Des Moines,marking only the third leader in the nonprofit's 43-year history.
- Simpson emphasizes continuity and community focus for the organization, which provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services.
- Simpson's 12-year tenure at PHC includes roles as clinic director and director of clinic operations.
Nathan Simpson steps up as the new CEO of Primary Health Care (PHC), a pivotal moment for the organization. Simpson’s priority? Ensuring PHC’s unwavering commitment to accessible healthcare for all,especially those facing financial or logistical barriers. The new leader, who has worked at PHC for 12 years, is keen on maintaining the organization’s founding mission built over the last 43 years.Simpson plans to tackle the workforce issues and growth management, which he sees as essential to PHC’s future. With a career background spanning the military and the financial world, Simpson pledges to keep Primary Health Care a vital resource for the community. Discover how News Directory 3 will continue to report on these developments. Discover what’s next for PHC and the community it serves.
Simpson Takes Helm at Primary Health Care,Prioritizing Continuity
Updated June 01,2025
Nathan Simpson is the new CEO of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Des Moines,marking only the third leader in the nonprofit’s 43-year history. Simpson, previously the chief operating officer, stepped into the role in December 2024, succeeding a CEO who held the position for 24 years.
Simpson emphasizes continuity and community focus for the organization, which provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services. PHC serves individuals facing barriers to health care due to financial constraints, immigration status, or lack of insurance. He aims to reassure the community that PHC’s mission and services remain consistent.
Simpson’s 12-year tenure at PHC includes roles as clinic director and director of clinic operations. Before joining PHC, he worked in procurement for Citigroup and served in the U.S. Army for nearly seven years.
“To have that kind of legacy and then switch to a new CEO, I felt it was really crucial that people know that the organization is still the same,” Simpson said. “The mission,the reason that we are here,the people who we are here to serve,that is not changing.”
Simpson noted PHC has experienced important growth, doubling in size since 2012. This expansion reflects the increasing need for its services within the community. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including workforce shortages and the need to adapt operations.
To address workforce challenges, Primary Health Care has implemented innovative programs, such as on-the-job training for dental assistants and medical assistant apprenticeships, in partnership with the Iowa Primary Care Association.
“Primary Health Care is a huge organization with a lot of different services that we provide. We don’t want to be a well-kept secret,” said Simpson.
What’s next
Looking ahead, Simpson plans to focus on maintaining PHC’s commitment to its mission while navigating the evolving health care landscape and addressing ongoing workforce challenges. he aims to ensure that Primary Health Care remains a vital resource for the community, providing accessible and comprehensive care to those who need it most.