Sanford Bismarck Clinic Director Selected for Becky Nelson Leadership Fellowship
Ashley Herauf
Ashley Herauf, clinic director at Sanford Health in Bismarck has been chosen for the Becky Nelson Leadership Fellowship, which was created to honor Becky Nelson’s many years of dedicated service to Sanford Health.
Becky Nelson held a variety of roles throughout her career, beginning as a staff nurse and ultimately serving as senior vice president and chief operating officer for the entire Sanford Health system. One individual is selected across the entire Sanford Health organization each year for the leadership fellowship.
Herauf is a native of Dickinson and has been a nurse for 13 years. She earned her nursing degree from Dickinson State University and later completed a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Leadership and Management from Western Governors University. Over the course of her career, Herauf has held a variety of nursing leadership roles, developing a strong foundation in clinical operations, team development and quality improvement. During her four years with Sanford Health, she has led multiple nursing and clinic operations in the Bismarck region, supporting frontline teams and advancing patient-centered care through operational excellence and collaborative leadership.
“Ashley’s work as clinic director at Sanford Health in Bismarck reflects not only impressive operational results but also the kind of character and leadership presence that inspires teams, strengthens culture and advances our mission,” says Tania Brost, RN nurse manager, Sanford Bismarck. “Her willingness to embrace difficult work demonstrates her forward-thinking approach and her commitment to advancing the care we deliver.”
The Becky Nelson Leadership Fellowship offers assigned mentors who guide and support the fellow throughout the year, a personalized learning plan aligned with the fellow’s individual leadership objectives, rotations across key areas of Sanford Health to provide a unique, system-wide perspective and opportunities to participate in leadership events, retreats and other development experiences.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to be selected as the Becky Nelson Leadership Fellow,” said Herauf. “This opportunity is deeply meaningful to me, and I am excited to continue growing as a leader while gaining broader system-level perspective and mentorship. I look forward to using this experience to better support my teams and continue serving Sanford Health wherever I am needed most.”
The Sanford Health Bismarck Region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 26 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.