Sanford Health Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sanford Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and public affairs.

Committed to expanding rural healthcare access, Sanford Health delivers integrated medical services and advanced clinical research to improve health outcomes for millions of patients across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Sanford Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mary Ruyter
  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Sioux Falls) - Andrew Munce
  • Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Health At Managed Site, Mahnomen Health Center - Dale Kruger
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Bill Gassen
  • Administrator & Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Jackson Medical Center - Dawn Schnell
  • Chief Financial Officer - Deb Rosburg
  • Chief Operating Officer - Matt Hocks
  • Chief Operating Officer, Sanford Health (Sioux Falls) - Hilmoe Eric
  • Chief of Staff - Benjamin Axtman
  • Chief of Staff & Vice President, Public Affairs - Mike Begeman
  • Mary Ruyter - Chief Executive Officer

    Mary Ruyter, the Chief Executive Officer at Sanford Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nonprofit integrated healthcare delivery system. Ruyter architects long-term growth initiatives that expand hospital care and physician services across the Upper Midwest. By aligning clinical research goals with patient-centered care models, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains its status as a leader in rural health. Mary Ruyter monitors the performance of the extensive network of clinics and senior care facilities to guarantee consistent service delivery. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the mission of providing high-quality medical treatment to diverse populations. Through rigorous oversight of organizational health, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable improvements in community wellness. Ruyter secures the future of the system by fostering innovation in surgical care and emergency services, ultimately strengthening the impact of the entire healthcare infrastructure.

    Andrew Munce - President & Chief Executive Officer (Sioux Falls)

    Andrew Munce, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Sioux Falls) at Sanford Health, manages the primary hospital operations and clinical service lines within the Sioux Falls region. Munce executes complex administrative strategies that integrate hospital care with specialized medical treatment for the local patient base. Overseeing the daily functions of the flagship facilities, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Sioux Falls) ensures that medical records and treatment plans remain synchronized across the entire system. Andrew Munce drives regional initiatives that enhance emergency services and rehabilitation programs for aging populations. This role requires constant coordination with clinical staff to maintain high standards of patient safety and operational efficiency. By optimizing resource allocation within the Sioux Falls network, Munce supports the broader mission of delivering coordinated care. The President & Chief Executive Officer (Sioux Falls) consistently evaluates service metrics to improve health outcomes for the surrounding communities.
    Andrew Munce

    Dale Kruger - Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Health At Managed Site, Mahnomen Health Center

    Dale Kruger, the Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Health At Managed Site, Mahnomen Health Center at Sanford Health, directs the specific operational requirements of the Mahnomen facility. Kruger architects localized healthcare solutions that bridge the gap between rural patient needs and the broader integrated system resources. Overseeing the delivery of primary care and long-term support, the Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Health At Managed Site, Mahnomen Health Center ensures that community health initiatives align with the overarching organizational mission. Dale Kruger manages the daily administrative functions of the center, focusing on maintaining high-quality medical standards in a rural environment. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional partners to expand access to specialty medical treatment. By streamlining clinical workflows, the Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Health At Managed Site, Mahnomen Health Center improves the efficiency of patient care. Kruger drives local engagement to ensure the facility remains a vital resource for the surrounding population.

    Bill Gassen - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Bill Gassen, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Sanford Health, leads the entire nonprofit integrated healthcare delivery system. Gassen architects the strategic direction for the organization, focusing on the expansion of hospital care, physician services, and health insurance solutions across the United States. Overseeing the vast network of hospitals and clinics, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the system provides coordinated medical services to millions of patients. Bill Gassen drives the integration of advanced clinical research into daily practice, enhancing the quality of care for rural populations. This leadership role involves managing relationships with stakeholders and the Board to ensure financial and operational stability. By prioritizing community health initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the impact of the organization. Gassen executes high-level policies that maintain the reputation of the system as a premier provider of long-term care and surgical services.
    Bill Gassen

    Dawn Schnell - Administrator & Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Jackson Medical Center

    Dawn Schnell, the Administrator & Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Jackson Medical Center at Sanford Health, directs the clinical and administrative operations of the Jackson facility. Schnell architects local healthcare programs that provide primary care and emergency services to the surrounding community. Overseeing the daily management of the medical center, the Administrator & Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Jackson Medical Center ensures that all services align with the integrated standards of the larger system. Dawn Schnell drives community health initiatives that address the specific needs of the local population. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional leadership to ensure that patients have access to specialized medical treatment and long-term care support. By maintaining high standards of clinical excellence, the Administrator & Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Jackson Medical Center strengthens the presence of the organization in the region. Schnell monitors facility performance to ensure the delivery of coordinated and effective medical care.
    Dawn Schnell

    Deb Rosburg - Chief Financial Officer

    Deb Rosburg, the Chief Financial Officer at Sanford Health, manages the fiscal health and economic strategy of the entire integrated healthcare system. Rosburg architects financial models that support the expansion of hospital infrastructure and the development of new medical research programs. Overseeing the budgeting process for hundreds of outpatient clinics and senior living communities, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are allocated to maximize patient care outcomes. Deb Rosburg drives cost-efficiency initiatives that allow the organization to maintain its commitment to rural health populations. This leadership role involves constant analysis of revenue streams from health insurance solutions and clinical services. By monitoring financial performance across the Upper Midwest, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data for strategic decision-making. Rosburg secures the long-term viability of the system through prudent fiscal management and the optimization of capital investments in medical technology and facility upgrades.

    Matt Hocks - Chief Operating Officer

    Matt Hocks, the Chief Operating Officer at Sanford Health, directs the daily operational functions of the extensive hospital and clinic network. Hocks architects scalable processes that ensure consistent delivery of primary care, surgical services, and emergency support across the entire system. Overseeing the integration of clinical workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that patient records and treatment plans remain accessible and accurate. Matt Hocks drives operational excellence by optimizing the performance of senior care facilities and long-term care communities. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional administrators to maintain high standards of service across the wide geographic area. By implementing efficient management systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the organization's mission to provide coordinated medical care. Hocks monitors operational metrics to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the system remains responsive to the evolving needs of patients and healthcare professionals.
    Matt Hocks

    Hilmoe Eric - Chief Operating Officer, Sanford Health (Sioux Falls)

    Hilmoe Eric, the Chief Operating Officer, Sanford Health (Sioux Falls) at Sanford Health, manages the logistical and operational infrastructure within the Sioux Falls market. Eric architects supply chain and facility management strategies that support the delivery of specialized medical treatment and surgical care. Overseeing the daily operations of the local hospital network, the Chief Operating Officer, Sanford Health (Sioux Falls) ensures that clinical teams have the necessary resources to provide high-quality patient care. Hilmoe Eric drives initiatives that improve the efficiency of emergency services and rehabilitation programs in the region. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite leaders to align local operations with the broader system goals. By optimizing the use of medical facilities and equipment, the Chief Operating Officer, Sanford Health (Sioux Falls) supports the organization's commitment to rural health. Eric monitors service delivery metrics to ensure consistent quality for all patients.
    Hilmoe Eric

    Benjamin Axtman - Chief of Staff

    Benjamin Axtman, the Chief of Staff at Sanford Health, manages the administrative flow and strategic priorities for the executive leadership team. Axtman architects communication channels that align the various departments within the integrated healthcare system. Overseeing the execution of key organizational projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that the vision of the leadership team translates into actionable results across the hospital network. Benjamin Axtman drives the coordination of high-level meetings and policy development, facilitating collaboration between clinical and administrative leaders. This leadership role involves managing the internal operations that support the delivery of medical research and community health initiatives. By streamlining executive processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall efficiency of the organization. Axtman monitors the progress of strategic goals, ensuring that the system remains focused on its mission to provide high-quality care to rural populations and beyond.

    Mike Begeman - Chief of Staff & Vice President, Public Affairs

    Mike Begeman, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Public Affairs at Sanford Health, manages the external communications and government relations for the healthcare system. Begeman architects public outreach strategies that highlight the organization's role in delivering rural health services and clinical research. Overseeing the public affairs department, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Public Affairs ensures that the mission of the system is clearly communicated to stakeholders and the public. Mike Begeman drives advocacy efforts that support the expansion of healthcare access for rural populations. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to align public messaging with the strategic goals of the organization. By managing relationships with community leaders and policymakers, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Public Affairs strengthens the reputation of the system. Begeman monitors public sentiment and policy developments to ensure the organization remains a leader in the healthcare industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sanford Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sanford Health?
    Sanford Health is led by Mary Ruyter (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Andrew Munce (President & Chief Executive Officer (Sioux Falls)) and Dale Kruger (Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Health At Managed Site, Mahnomen Health Center).
    Who is part of Sanford Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sanford Health includes leaders such as Mary Ruyter (Chief Executive Officer), Andrew Munce (President & Chief Executive Officer (Sioux Falls)), Dale Kruger (Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Health At Managed Site, Mahnomen Health Center) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sanford Health have?
    Sanford Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sanford Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sanford Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer (Sioux Falls), Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Health At Managed Site, Mahnomen Health Center, President & Chief Executive Officer, Administrator & Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Jackson Medical Center.