Monument Health Names New Custer President

 Barb Hespen has been selected as the new President of Monument Health Custer Hospital and Market. She will lead Monument Health’s health care operations in the southern Black Hills starting March 21, 2022.

Prior to joining Monument Health, Barb served as the Chief Nursing and Quality Officer at Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Sheridan, Wyo. She also worked for Monument (Regional) Health from 1997-2013, serving as Director of Risk Management and Accreditation, Director of Patient Services and Supervisor of the Home Care Department. From 2003 to 2010, she served as Director of Patient Services at Custer Regional Hospital.

“Barb brings a great deal of knowledge and experience with her to this role,” said Thomas Worsely, President of Spearfish Hospital and Hills Markets. “Her strong history of working with communities, building and fostering strong teams as well as partnering with physicians and caregivers in the areas of clinical quality and operational excellence make her a great addition to our Custer team.” 

Hespen will replace Mark Schmidt, who recently accepted the role of President of the Sturgis Hospital and Market, in addition to his ongoing role as President of the Lead-Deadwood Hospital and Market. Schmidt had served both the Custer and Lead-Deadwood markets since 2015.

“I’m excited to be coming home to the Black Hills and rejoining Monument Health,” said Hespen. “The opportunity to serve this community and help provide high-quality care to our region is something I've always been passionate about.”

Monument Health Custer Hospital is a critical access hospital that serves much of the southern Black Hills. The adjoining clinic is a primary care, family medicine clinic that provides comprehensive care for the entire family through all phases of life, from childhood to senior years. Board-certified physicians and advanced practice providers deliver individualized care to patients at this clinic.