Meet Our Team
Leadership Team
Kurt Schmidt
Founder & CEO
Steven Peterson
Chief Technology Officer
Nanette McLain, LCSW
Behavioral Health
Board and Advisory Team
Dr. Oliver Degnan
AI & Technology
Dr. Holly DuBois
Behavioral Health
Rob Rueckl
Finance
Founder & CEO
Chief Technology Officer
Behavioral Health
AI & Technology
Behavioral Health
Finance
Finance
Rob began his career as a CPA and auditor with the international public accounting firm KPMG, serving clients ranging from start-up organizations to Fortune 500 public companies. He earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Over the past 20 years, Rob served as CFO of both public and private companies, valued by boards, investors and key stakeholders for his transparency, integrity and collaborative approach to working across all areas of the organization.
Most recently Rob served as the CFO of Experity, a portfolio company of GTCR and Warburg Pincus, and the leading provider of EMR and other solutions to the Urgent Care industry. During his six-year tenure, Rob guided Experity from negative to positive cash flow, secured multiple financings, supported a merger of equals and the related business integration, and drove improvements in the quality and value of financial and operating metrics, internal controls and business policies. During this period, the business experienced 4x revenue growth and 6x EBITDA growth. Throughout his career Rob has developed a reputation for bringing energy, creativity and partnership to finding solutions to accomplish business goals.
Behavioral Health
Dr. DuBois founded AvailTelemedicine, a successful physician practice rooted entirely in delivering high-quality, precise psychiatric services to individuals with serious mental illnesses. She has also held various medical leadership roles in both public and private health systems where she developed programs in intensive outpatient services, consult and liaison psychiatry, and 24/7 crisis telemedicine.
Dr. DuBois holds her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and her medical degree with clinical honors from The Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. She completed her residency in adult psychiatry at Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, where she focused her senior studies on psychosomatic services.
LCSW
Behavioral Health
AI & Technology
Oliver holds several technology patents, with his groundbreaking inventions recognized by leading companies such as Apple, Google, and Intuit. His extensive experience includes serving as SVP for IBM Watson Health and CIO for ChenMed and Marshfield Clinic, where he spearheaded the integration of artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency in value-based care models.
At The Peer Network, Oliver leverages his expertise to develop and implement advanced AI solutions, aiming to enhance peer support services and improve the mental health and substance use recovery journey for individuals. His strategic insights are rooted in his roles as a CIO, CTO, and CEO, alongside his academic contributions during his doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin.
A published researcher on AI culture and innovation with Berkley University, Oliver is also the author of “LEVELUP Without Burnout System,” an online course and corporate workshop designed to help business professionals optimize their careers and productivity without succumbing to burnout. His work continues to make a significant impact on the intersection of technology and healthcare at The Peer Network.
Chief Technology Officer
With a proven track record in implementing agile processes and ensuring regulatory compliance, Steven has led teams to achieve remarkable milestones. These include maintaining high system availability, implementing effective cloud infrastructure, and executing successful cloud migrations. His expertise extends to managing diverse, geographically dispersed teams, where he fosters a collaborative environment that enhances productivity and innovation. Steven’s leadership style emphasizes transparency, continuous learning, and empowering team members to reach their full potential. Additionally, his extensive experience with startups has honed his ability to navigate rapid growth environments and scale operations efficiently.
At The Peer Network, Steven leverages his comprehensive experience to drive technological advancement and operational excellence. His strategic insights, developed through years of leadership in healthcare IT and startup environments, contribute significantly to the company’s mission. Steven’s focus on innovation, combined with his deep understanding of regulatory landscapes and startup dynamics, positions The Peer Network at the forefront of technological solutions in the healthcare sector. His ongoing commitment to aligning technology with business objectives continues to shape the company’s trajectory and impact in the industry.
Founder & CEO
Kurt Schmidt, a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), brings a wealth of personal experience and professional knowledge to his role. Holding an MSW from Missouri State University and an MBA from Webster University, Kurt applies his 15 years of experience in the business, technology, and service sectors to provide effective peer support for those managing mental health and substance use disorders.
Kurt’s empathetic approach, shaped by his own journey and a deep passion for fostering positive change, allows him to connect meaningfully with individuals and families. He focuses on empowering them to harness their personal strengths and reshape their lives for the better.
His background is further enriched by a personal trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). This enables him to emphasize the crucial link between physical and mental health in recovery.
Kurt’s journey, marked by personal growth and an authentic desire to help others transform, fuels his deep commitment to supporting individuals and families on their path to recovery.