Regional President and Chief Executive Officer
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital
Yankton, SD - United States
WittKieffer is proud to partner with Avera in the search for the next Regional President and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota. This position offers a unique chance to lead the Avera Sacred Heart region and serve as a senior leader within a large, faith-based healthcare system dedicated to delivering high-quality care to rural communities. Avera is co-sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Yankton, SD, and the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Aberdeen, SD.
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital has earned a prestigious 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital’s excellence across various quality measures, including mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience, and overall effectiveness and efficiency of care. Its standing nationally is underscored by its inclusion on the Chartis “Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital” list every year since its inception in 2016, making it one of only 20 hospitals nationwide to receive the recognition each year.
The Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Region includes four critical access hospitals: Avera St. Anthony Hospital in O’Neill, NE; Avera Creighton Hospital in Creighton, NE; St. Michael’s Hospital Avera in Tyndall, SD; and Wagner Community Memorial Hospital Avera in Wagner, SD. In addition, the region includes skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted/independent facilities, home health, hospice, and several clinics.
The Regional President will collaborate with the five other Avera Regional Presidents as well as operational and clinical leaders across the system to expand and refine the services provided and to assist in the transition to more integrated models of care. Leading Avera Sacred Heart Hospital also means being a visible and influential figure within the Yankton community. The Regional President’s ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, including patients, staff, community leaders, and private practice physicians will be crucial in advancing the hospital’s mission. This role offers a platform to advocate for rural healthcare, implement innovative solutions, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community. The Regional President will be at the forefront of shaping the future of healthcare in Yankton and beyond, ensuring that Avera Sacred Heart Hospital remains a trusted and respected institution.
Avera is transitioning to the Epic electronic medical record (EMR) system, which will significantly enhance the quality of care and operational efficiency across the health system. With a planned go-live date in the summer of 2026, Epic will streamline patient information management, improve interoperability, and support better patient outcomes.
Expressions of interest, nominations, and applications should be directed to Stephanie Odorisio via email: [email protected] or via the WittKieffer candidate portal using the buttons below.
All inquiries, applications, and nominations will be held in the highest confidence.