Great Plains Health Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Great Plains Health has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, administrative operations, clinical operations, and financial management.

Committed to regional wellness, Great Plains Health delivers comprehensive medical services ranging from heart and vascular care to advanced oncology, ensuring high-quality healthcare access across the Great Plains region.

Leadership Roles at Great Plains Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ivan Mitchell
  • Chief Financial Officer - Summer Owen
  • Chief Operating Officer - Danelle Franzen
  • Chief Information Officer - Brandon Kelliher
  • Chief of Staff - Ladd Lake
  • Ivan Mitchell - Chief Executive Officer

    Ivan Mitchell, the Chief Executive Officer at Great Plains Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire medical system. By aligning clinical excellence with long-term institutional growth, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that heart, vascular, and cancer care services meet rigorous patient safety standards. Mitchell manages high-level relationships with the Board of Directors to secure necessary capital investments for facility upgrades. Overseeing the expansion of medical service lines, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency across all departments. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain a competitive edge in the healthcare sector. Through proactive engagement with regional stakeholders, Ivan Mitchell fosters a culture of innovation and patient-centered care. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and operational health of the organization, ensuring that the mission of providing superior medical services remains the primary focus for the entire staff.
    Ivan Mitchell

    Summer Owen - Chief Financial Officer

    Summer Owen, the Chief Financial Officer at Great Plains Health, directs the fiscal strategy and capital allocation for the entire medical system. By managing revenue cycles and budgeting for specialized services like cancer care, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term economic sustainability. Owen oversees financial reporting and compliance, providing transparency to the Board of Directors regarding institutional performance. This role involves analyzing investment opportunities for new medical technologies and facility expansions. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer drives cost-saving initiatives without compromising the quality of patient care. Summer Owen collaborates with the Chief Operating Officer to align departmental budgets with operational requirements. By monitoring reimbursement trends and insurance contracts, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to support ongoing medical advancements. Owen maintains the fiscal integrity of the hospital, ensuring that resources remain available to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the region.
    Summer Owen

    Danelle Franzen - Chief Operating Officer

    Danelle Franzen, the Chief Operating Officer at Great Plains Health, manages the daily logistics and clinical workflows that define the hospital experience. By optimizing the utilization of medical facilities and equipment, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that orthopaedics and vascular departments operate at peak capacity. Franzen oversees the supply chain for medical consumables, guaranteeing that clinicians possess the necessary tools for patient treatment. This role requires close coordination with the Chief Financial Officer to balance operational costs with service quality. Overseeing staff scheduling and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer drives improvements in patient throughput and satisfaction. Danelle Franzen implements lean management principles to reduce waste and enhance the efficiency of clinical processes. By monitoring operational metrics, the Chief Operating Officer identifies areas for improvement in service delivery. Franzen ensures that all hospital operations remain consistent with the high standards of care expected by the community.
    Danelle Franzen

    Brandon Kelliher - Chief Information Officer

    Brandon Kelliher, the Chief Information Officer at Great Plains Health, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern hospital operations. By implementing secure electronic health record systems, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive patient data while streamlining clinical workflows. Kelliher manages the integration of advanced diagnostic technologies into the existing hospital network to improve patient outcomes. This role requires constant collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer to align technological investments with broader organizational goals. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer mitigates risks associated with digital medical records. Brandon Kelliher drives the adoption of telehealth platforms to expand service reach across the region. By optimizing data analytics, the Chief Information Officer provides actionable insights that support clinical decision-making. Kelliher ensures that all information systems remain resilient, scalable, and fully compliant with federal healthcare regulations, thereby supporting the seamless delivery of medical services throughout the entire facility.

    Ladd Lake - Chief of Staff

    Ladd Lake, the Chief of Staff at Great Plains Health, coordinates executive communications and facilitates the execution of strategic initiatives across the organization. By managing the flow of information between the C-suite and department heads, the Chief of Staff ensures operational alignment with the mission of providing high-quality medical care. Lake organizes board meetings and tracks progress on key performance indicators related to orthopaedics and other specialty services. This role involves resolving complex administrative challenges that arise during daily hospital operations. Overseeing internal project management, the Chief of Staff drives efficiency by removing bottlenecks in communication. Ladd Lake supports the Chief Executive Officer by preparing detailed reports on institutional performance and regional market impact. By fostering collaboration among diverse clinical teams, the Chief of Staff maintains a cohesive environment. Lake ensures that all executive decisions translate into tangible improvements in patient care delivery and overall hospital productivity.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Great Plains Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Great Plains Health?
    Great Plains Health is led by Ivan Mitchell (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Summer Owen (Chief Financial Officer) and Danelle Franzen (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Great Plains Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Great Plains Health includes leaders such as Ivan Mitchell (Chief Executive Officer), Summer Owen (Chief Financial Officer), Danelle Franzen (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Great Plains Health have?
    Great Plains Health has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Great Plains Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Great Plains Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff.