Sanford Health Plan Strengthens Board with Five New Members
Five leaders with decades of experience in health care, business, technology and education have joined the Sanford Health Plan Board of Directors.
Nworah Ayogu, M.D., DeAnna Carlson Zink, Joshua Crabtree, M.D., Josh Pauli, PhD and Michael Wagner began their term this month. Their addition gives the board 12 members.
“Each of our new board members will bring a unique perspective to the crucial role of guiding the strategic direction of the Sanford Health Plan,” said Tommy Ibrahim, executive vice president and CEO of Sanford Health Plan. “We are thankful to have these leaders dedicate their time and talents to ensuring our health plan is set up for success which in turn benefits our members and their families.”
Nworah Ayogu, M.D. serves as head of care impact at Thrive Capital, where he focuses on leveraging technology to enhance health care delivery. Dr. Ayogu has an extensive background in health care innovation, having served as the chief medical officer and general manager at Amazon Clinic from January 2022 to May 2024. He previously held the position of chief medical officer at Amazon Pharmacy and was the medical director at PillPack.
DeAnna Carlson Zink is the CEO of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation, where she serves as the primary liaison for alumni, donors and the communities touched by the University of North Dakota. With over 30 years of dedicated service, DeAnna has played a pivotal role in building relationships, engaging alumni and friends and spearheading fundraising initiatives to support the University’s mission.
Joshua Crabtree, M.D. is the chief physician overseeing Sanford Clinic and Sanford World Clinics at Sanford Health. He became the chief physician of Sanford Clinic Sioux Falls, in December 2019 and entered his current role in May 2024. In his current role, he has responsibility for all clinicians employed with Sanford Health and Sanford World Clinic. In his leadership role, his responsibilities include clinician professional practice, recruitment, retention, operations and clinician wellness.
Josh Pauli, PhD is the department head of cyber, intelligence, and information operations (CIIO) and a professor of cyber operations at the University of Arizona, where he oversees cutting-edge research and academic programs in the field of cybersecurity. He has held this position since May 2022.
Michael Wagner is the founder and principal of the NorthSTAR Leadership Project, a position he has held since 2019. Previously, he served as the executive director of the Advisory Board from 1996 to 2019 and was an elected member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1989 to 1996. Wagner has a rich history of community involvement. He was the executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls from 1994-95 and worked as the director of operations at The Austad Company from 1984-1993.