Sanford Health CEO Kelby Krabbenhoft. Photo from sister station KFGO.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — After 24 years it has been reported that Sanford Health and long-time CEO Kelby Krabbenhoft have decided to amicably part ways.
The decision comes in the wake of the health system announcing a merger with not-for-profit healthcare system Intermountain Health last month.
Sanford Healths’ former chief administrative officer Bill Gassen has been appointed to replace Krabbenhoft.
Full Press Release:
The Board of Trustees has announced that Sanford Health and longtime CEO Kelby Krabbenhoft have mutually agreed to part ways.
The Board of Trustees recognized Krabbenhoft’s contributions to the organization over his long tenure. Krabbenhoft assumed the role of president and CEO in 1996 and built the organization from a community hospital into the largest rural non-profit health system in the country, now spanning 26 states and 10 countries. “Kelby’s impact on the organization and the communities it serves will be felt for generations to come,” said Brent Teiken, Board Chair.
The Board of Trustees has appointed Bill Gassen president and CEO of Sanford Health. Gassen has been with the organization since 2012, most recently serving as chief administrative officer. His appointment is effective immediately.
“Bill is the right person to lead Sanford Health through these unprecedented times because of his substantial experience with many aspects of the organization and his deep commitment to our workforce,” board chair Brent Teiken said in a news release. “We’re extremely optimistic about having his steady hand at the wheel in partnership with our existing leadership team.”
The announcement follows a tumultuous few weeks for Sanford that started with the Intermountain merger plan and the revelation that the new health system would be based in Salt Lake City, Utah, a sign to some in the community that Sanford is set to become subservient to Intermountain when the merger is finalized, which is expected next summer.
(Paul Heinert senior media relations specialist at Sanford Health contributed to this report.)
