Sanford Health Names Scott Wooten Chief Financial Officer

Sanford Health has named Scott Wooten, FACHE, MBA, its chief financial officer (CFO) following a comprehensive national search process. Wooten starts at Sanford Health on Jan. 15

Wooten, a seasoned finance leader with deep experience in the non-profit healthcare sector, previously served as executive vice president and CFO at Jacksonville, Florida-based Baptist Health for eight years. During his time at Baptist Health, Wooten established a successful long-term financial growth plan that more than doubled the system’s annual top line and led to two S&P rating upgrades to “AA” stable. Wooten also held executive finance roles with Alegent Creighton Health in Nebraska, AdventHealth Central Florida and AdventHealth North Texas. Most recently, he led Wooten Strategic Advisors, providing consulting services to physician groups, health systems, insurance companies, retail pharmacies and non-profit organizations.

“Scott is an accomplished and experienced finance leader with a distinguished record of success, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Sanford Health. Scott’s inclusive leadership style and dedication to our mission align well with Sanford’s culture,” said Bill Gassen, Sanford Health president and CEO. “I am confident that with Scott’s leadership, we will be well positioned to build on our strong financial performance, accelerate our strategies and continue reinvesting in our patients, our people and the communities we serve.”

Wooten graduated from Union College and completed his MBA at the University of Dayton. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and completed strategy certificates at Harvard Business School and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. 

“Sanford Health is a role model for delivering exceptional care to patients in rural America, and I am looking forward to being a part of the voice that advocates for accessible, high-quality health care for all those we serve,” said Wooten. “Sanford Health has the rare combination of being financially healthy and incredibly visionary, and I am excited to join the team and committed to ensuring we continue to drive strong financial stewardship well into the future.”

Wooten succeeds Bill Marlette who came out of retirement to fill the CFO position until a permanent replacement was found. Marlette will return to retirement when Wooten starts on Jan. 15.