Steve Schieber Named President of CHI Health Good Samaritan
Steve Schieber, MBA, FACMPE, FACHE, has been appointed as the new president of CHI Health Good Samaritan, having served in an interim capacity since January. In this new dual leadership role, he will also continue to serve as president of CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island.
CHI Health Names Jake McCarty President of CUMC-Bergan Mercy
CHI Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jake McCarty, MPH, MPA, as the next president of CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy. McCarty brings nearly 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, most recently serving as chief operating officer of Kaiser Permanente’s San Leandro Medical Center in California.
Leigh-Anne Lehmann Named LRHC's 2026 Caring Kind Award Recipient
Lexington Regional Health Center (LRHC) is proud to announce that Leigh-Anne Lehmann, PA-C, has been selected as the organization’s 2026 Caring Kind Award recipient, recognizing her outstanding compassion, service excellence, teamwork, and dedication to patients and colleagues.
Dr. Gemechu Ayana Joins Essentia Health Fargo as Hospitalist
Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to welcome hospitalist Dr. Gemechu Ayana.
“I was drawn to Essentia Health because of its strong reputation for patient-centered care, collaborative team culture and commitment to serving both urban and rural communities,” explained Dr. Ayana. “The opportunity to practice in Fargo, in particular, appealed to me due to the balance of high-quality clinical practice, supportive work environment and the ability to make a meaningful impact on a growing community.”
Dr. Rushana Manatova Joins Essentia Health Fargo as Hospitalist
Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to welcome hospitalist Dr. Rushana Manatova.
“I chose to join Essentia Health because of the strong sense of collaboration and the genuine care the organization shows for its employees,” said Dr. Manatova. “I was also drawn to Essentia’s values of teamwork, joy and respect, all of which closely align with my own values.”
Healthcare Skeptic Mike Peyton Becomes RMC's Biggest Advocate
Known by his family as fiercely independent and beautifully stubborn, Manchester native Mike Peyton spent most of his life avoiding doctors and hospital visits. Yet, in his final days, the lifelong skeptic underwent a complete transformation, becoming one of Regional Medical Center’s (RMC) most passionate local advocates.
Dr. Kip Anderson Joins Columbus Community Hospital Board
Columbus Community Hospital welcomed Dr. Kip Anderson to its board of directors as of Aug. 1, 2026.
Sanford Fargo's Tiffany Lawrence Named Top Community Hospital CEO
Becker’s Hospital Review has named Sanford Fargo president and CEO Tiffany Lawrence to the 2026 edition of its community hospital CEOs to know.
Community Hospital Welcomes Behavioral Health Provider Farrah Stunkel
Community Hospital is pleased to welcome Farrah Stunkel, LIMHP, to its Behavioral Health team. Farrah provides counseling services for patients ages 12 and older and treats a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and substance use disorders.
Lexington Regional's Brenna Bartruff Named SHSMD Rising Star
Lexington Regional Health Center (LRHC) is proud to announce that Brenna Bartruff, Chief Communications Officer, has been selected as a member of the prestigious 2026 Class of Rising Stars by the Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD).
Sports-Crazy Bettendorf Boy Progresses With MercyOne Genesis
MercyOne Genesis Home Runs for Life honoree Hayden Bancroft, 6-years-old of Bettendorf, will be honored during the Quad Cities River Bandits game Friday, August 14.
SDAHO's Michelle Jury Appointed to National Quality Measurement Committee
The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) is pleased to announce that Michelle Jury, BSN, RN, CPHQ, Clinical Improvement Consultant, has been appointed to the Partnership for Quality Measurement (PQM) Endorsement and Maintenance Primary Prevention Committee—a prestigious national volunteer role that helps shape the future of health care quality measurement across the United States.
Community Hospital Adds Joel Bednar to Board of Directors
Community Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Joel Bednar to its Board of Directors. Bednar was appointed during the Board's July meeting and is completing the remainder of a term previously held by Grant Norgaard. Upon completion of the current term, Bednar will be eligible to serve up to two additional three-year terms.
UNMC Leaders Remember Former Chancellor Dr. Harold M. Maurer
To members of the media who are covering the death of Dr. Harold M. Maurer, former chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (1998 to 2014), here are comments from UNMC Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD (who succeeded Dr. Maurer as UNMC chancellor).
Cortney Atkins Joins Essentia Health Fargo for Behavioral Health
The Essentia Health-South University Clinic is excited to welcome Cortney Atkins, a licensed psychologist in behavioral health.
Dr. Yu Jin Jeong Joins Essentia Health Fargo as Hospitalist
Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to welcome hospitalist Dr. Yu Jin Jeong.
Ashley Bjornson Joins Essentia Health The Lights West Fargo Clinic
The Essentia Health-The Lights West Fargo Clinic is proud to welcome Ashley Bjornson, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner in family medicine.
Dr. Cyndee Jocson Joins Essentia Health Fargo in Pediatric Cardiology
The Essentia Health-South University Clinic is proud to welcome pediatric cardiologist Dr. Cyndee Jocson.
Sanford Health Promotes Watertown Leaders John Allen and Laurie Fieber
Sanford Health has announced promotions for leaders at Sanford Health Watertown aligning with the continued integration of the former Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) and Sanford Health.
Avery Dakan Named Good Samaritan 2026 Caring Kind Award Recipient
CHI Health Good Samaritan recently honored Avery Dakan, MSW, as its 2026 Caring Kind Award honoree. Recipients of this prestigious award go above and beyond the call of duty displaying outstanding compassion, collaborative teamwork and an unwavering commitment to professional excellence. Dakan, a care coordination social worker, has dedicated her service to Good Samaritan and the region for more than three years.