RAPID CITY, S.D.— Sanford Health President and CEO Bill Gassen addressed a sold-out luncheon of community leaders at the Black Hills Forum & Press Club Luncheon on Friday. His visit follows a series of acquisitions that establish a foothold for the Sioux Falls-based healthcare system in a market long dominated by Monument Health. The expansion includes the acquisition of Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center in late 2024, Black Hills Surgical Hospital, and their associated facilities, including a surgery center in Gillette, Wyoming. Earlier this month, Sanford also announced it was acquiring Creekside Medical Clinic, a primary care group in Rapid City for over 25 years.

“It’s a great opportunity to get in front of the leaders out here in Rapid City and the greater Black Hills region, just to share the vision that we have here at Sanford Health,” said Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen, “To continue to invest in South Dakota and in particular to continue to invest in expanding healthcare, improving access, and improving the quality of care in Rapid City and beyond.”

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Sanford Health is already advertising nearly 50 job openings in Rapid City alone. Gassen linked the hiring push to projections for continued population growth in the Black Hills.

“Given the increase and the expected projection for population increase out here, we know there’s a great opportunity to not only provide more healthcare, but to have more healthcare leaders,” Gassen stated.

Many have expressed concern with the competition the expansion has with Monument Health. Gassen framed the competition as a net positive for patients, pointing to the dynamic between Sanford and Avera Health in eastern South Dakota as a model for how competition can improve quality of care and patient choice.Many in attendance, including Monument Health CEO Paulette Davidson, highlighted a history of statewide cooperation between the major health systems, particularly during critical times.

“During the pandemic, I can tell you Monument Health, Avera, and Sanford Health worked together with supply chain, with our vaccinations, with everything we needed to do to take care of our communities in South Dakota,” Davidson said, “We know how to do that and we can do that again.”

Sanford’s push into the Black Hills comes after a planned 2020 merger with Utah-based Intermountain Health was called off. Said deal was suspended following a leadership change at Sanford that saw Gassen appointed to the CEO position. While that larger merger did not proceed, the current acquisitions demonstrate a continued, albeit more targeted, growth strategy.

Gassen did not say whether Sanford Health has plans for further acquisitions in the region at this time. The Black Hills Forum & Press Club, which hosted the event, holds periodic luncheons on topics vital to the region, with its next event tentatively scheduled for September 27.

JUNE 3, 2025

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Movers & Shakers features new hires, promotions and awards involving top executives and organizations. For consideration, email jodi@siouxfalls.business. Guaranteed placement is provided only to partners of SiouxFalls.Business.

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center has received Heart Failure Advanced Certification from DNV. The certification affirms an organization’s excellence in heart failure diagnosis and treatment inclusive of initial diagnostic services and therapies related to heart failure – as well as clear metrics to evaluate program outcomes.

Sanford Health

For the third year in a row, Sanford Health has been named to the list of Becker’s Healthcare 150 top places to work in health care. According to Becker’s, the health systems and companies included on this list are committed to supporting their teams through comprehensive benefits, opportunities for both personal and professional growth, inclusive and empowering work environments and resources that promote a healthy work-life balance.

First Interstate Bank

Candice Ligtenberg has joined First Interstate Bank as a community development officer. Ligtenberg has more than 25 years of experience in the financial industry, previously serving in process improvement and risk management roles at Wells Fargo.

Sayre Associates

Sayre Associates Inc. has hired Reid Dutrow, engineer-in-training, as a project engineer. Dutrow earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from South Dakota Mines in May. He interned with the company during the summer of 2024 and will continue to support infrastructure and design projects, providing construction administration and observation services.

South Dakota State Medical Association

Dr. Keith Hansen is the new president of the South Dakota State Medical Association. Hansen is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at Sanford Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Clinic. Other officers of the board of directors are president elect, Dr. Benjamin Meyerink; vice president, Dr. Mandi Greenway Bietz of Mitchell; and secretary/treasurer, Dr. Deepak Goyal of Rapid City. Board members are at-large directors, Dr. Sarah Flynn, Dr. Laura Hoefert of Madison and Dr. Ty Hanson of Aberdeen; policy council chair, Dr. Megan Smith of Burke; and immediate past president, Dr. Jennifer Tinguely. Dr. Robert Allison of Fort Pierre is the AMA delegate and Dr. Robert Summerer of Madison and Dr. Mary Carpenter of Winner are alternates.

The South Dakota State Medical Association has presented its annual awards.

Distinguished Service Award: William Fuller.

Outstanding Young Physician Award: Matthew Schaffer of Mobridge.

of Mobridge. Community Service Award: Jacob Quail of Vermillion.

of Vermillion. Richard P. Holm, MD, Media Award: Sheila Agee for her contributions to the SDSMA’s medical journal, South Dakota Medicine.

for her contributions to the SDSMA’s medical journal, South Dakota Medicine. Young at Heart Award: Roy Mortinsen of Vermillion.

of Vermillion. Past President’s Award: Denise Hanisch of Centerville.

of Centerville. Special Presidential Award: Barbara Smith, retiring CEO of

Other awards also were presented:

COPIC Humanitarian Award: Margaret Becker of Spearfish. The recipient of the award designates a $10,000 donation from COPIC to be provided to a health care-related nonprofit organization in South Dakota. Good Shepherd Clinic is the donation recipient.

of Spearfish. The recipient of the award designates a $10,000 donation from COPIC to be provided to a health care-related nonprofit organization in South Dakota. is the donation recipient. AMA Distinguished Service Award: Mary Carpenter of Winner.

50-Year Awards: Drs. William Fuller, Rif’at Hussain, Dennis Knutson and H. Bruce Vogt, all of Sioux Falls; and Drs. William Howard, Norman Neu, Ken Vogele and Larry Wehrkamp, all of Rapid City.

Sanford Children’s Hospital has partnered with Marsh McLennan Agency for a $1 million, 10-year philanthropic commitment in collaboration with the Sanford Health Foundation “to address the growing need for pediatric behavioral health care in the Sioux Falls region,” according to a May 8, 2025, press release from Sanford Health.

Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) is a global firm that “provides business insurance, employee health & benefits, retirement and private client insurance solutions,” according to its website. Sioux Falls MMA office is at 300 N. Cherapa Place, Ste 601, near downtown Sioux Falls.

“At Marsh McLennan Agency, we have deep roots in the communities we serve, so we’re committed to doing our part to ensure the places we call home are dynamic places to live, work and play,” said Steve Vlk, CEO, Marsh McLennan Agency. “That means doing all we can through volunteerism, service and philanthropy to help make a difference.’

Each year in Sioux Falls, employees conduct a colleague donation campaign to raise 1% of the total annual United Way Sioux Empire fundraising goal. The carnival theme in 2024 included a “pie-a-leader” contest, which generated more than $147,000 in donations from both colleagues and corporate support.

The partnership will allow Sanford Children’s Hospital to hire more full-time therapists and social workers, expand training and internship opportunities, evaluation and follow-up services and create dedicated spaces within the facilities for the “comfort, healing and learning opportunities” of children with behavioral needs.

“Investing in pediatric health is an investment in the overall strength and vitality of our region,” said Rochelle Sweetman, Director of Healthcare, Marsh McLennan Agency. “Healthy children grow into healthy adults who contribute to more productive, engaged and resilient communities. This philanthropic partnership will make an impact for generations to come.”

Last year alone, Sanford Children’s Hospital reported more than 5,500 patient encounters involving behavioral health issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma, underscoring the urgent need for expanded care.

“By addressing the growing mental health needs of children, this partnership will create a safer, more supportive environment where our youngest patients can thrive,” Sioux Falls Sanford Health Foundation Vice President Erin Sanderson said. “This generous gift from Marsh McLennan Agency will help expand and enhance critical behavioral health services at the Castle of Care.”

Marsh McLennan Agency’s gift will also help provide the use of screening tools to assess the emotional health of every patient admitted to Sanford Children’s Hospital.

“Early screening for behavioral health concerns in children is a critical step in ensuring better long-term outcomes,” said Joe Segeleon, M.D., vice president, medical officer, Sanford Children’s. “With this gift, we can implement a program that includes comprehensive assessment initiatives and follow-up services specific to pediatric behavioral health, equipping children and families with the care and support they need to thrive.”

Vanessa Carlson Bender is the real estate and development reporter for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. Reach her at vbender@gannett.com.

Good Samaritan — part of Sanford Health and the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior care and services — has expanded access to new senior care services at Unity Place at Good Samaritan – St. Martin Village. The former St. Martin Monastery in Rapid City, South Dakota, has been renovated into 22 assisted living units and 10 memory care assisted living units.

Memory care assisted living at Unity Place is designed to feel like home for people who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Good Samaritan combines the services of assisted living with specialized programming for memory care residents to address their unique needs. A highly trained team provides a safe, active and understanding environment to help residents lead fulfilling lives.

Residents in assisted living at Unity Place will receive supportive services and personalized health care which includes medication administration, 24-hour staffing, assistance with bathing, daily meals and more. Residents will also benefit from spiritual, health and wellness amenities such as walking trails; scheduled activities; a spa and weekly chapel services.

“As our population continues to age, there is an even greater need for senior care services,” said Aimee Middleton, Good Samaritan’s chief operating officer. “Unity Place is a testament to our commitment to expand access to high-quality care close to home. Good Samaritan – St. Martin Village is designed to meet the comprehensive and evolving needs of the community today and into the future. It is truly a privilege to serve the nearly 1,000 seniors in the Black Hills region through long-term care, senior living and home health services.”

With the full spectrum of senior services offered at Good Samaritan – St. Martin Village, campus residents have priority access to higher levels of care when needed. Residents also benefit from being part of an integrated health system with Sanford Health, the nation’s largest rural health system, offering the full continuum of care and services.

A public grand opening will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at Unity Place, located at 1851 City Springs Road in Rapid City.

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SIOUX FALLS — It’s one of the more highly anticipated events for the Sanford Sports Basketball Academy, and for coordinator Nate Kaeding, it hasn’t gotten old.

More than 130 high school student-athletes will gather Sunday and Monday at the Sanford Pentagon to take part in the fourth annual Who’s Next High School Combine.

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The boys combine will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, while the girls combine is slated for 1 p.m. Monday.

“It’s one of our favorite events that we do with the Academy here,” said Kaeding, who’s approaching his fourth year as coordinator. “We certainly get a lot of athletes that play here currently on our teams, but then we also get a lot of outside athletes, even players from outside the Sioux Falls area.”

Nate Kaeding interviews Sioux Falls Christian coach Dan DeJong after the Chargers defeated Mahpíya Lúta 57-56 in the Class A state championship game Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Donald E. Young Center in Spearfish. South Dakota Public Broadcasting

While players from the Sioux Falls area will make up the majority of the combine participants, surrounding states like Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and Nebraska will also be represented.

The objective of the combine remains the same — it’s all about providing an avenue for aspiring college players to showcase their talents in front of a litany of college coaches who will be in attendance.

Kaeding says there are typically between eight to 10 colleges represented each year, including Division II schools Augustana, Sioux Falls and Northern State. Additionally, NAIA programs Dakota Wesleyan, Dakota State, Mount Marty, Dordt and Northwestern are typically in attendance.

“This year, I expect it to be pretty similar to that,” Kaeding said. “I’ve already heard back from a number of them.”

Held on Heritage Court inside the Pentagon, the combine provides an ideal setting for college coaches to scout potential recruits through a variety of different drills.

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Coaches will be able to see individual skill development work in shooting, passing, ball-handling, finishing and scoring moves, while performance measurements will also be conducted. Athletes will take part in one-on-one and three-on-three competition before closing out with live five-on-five games, providing a variance of settings that allow coaches to evaluate talent.

“We mix it up in terms of the development stations that we do,” Kaeding said. “You’re generally working on the same skills, but how you go about working on those might vary. … This is our fourth year doing this, and we’ve kind of set a pretty good plan that I think college coaches like in order to be able to evaluate different settings.

“We build into the competitive stuff as well. The one-on-ones and three-on-threes open up a lot of space, and you can really kind of showcase what you can do with the ball in your hands.”

As of now, Kaeding says there are roughly 130 participants expected to take part in this year’s combine, which is composed of about 70 on the boys side and 60 on the girls side.

Registration is still open until the start of the combine, which costs $60 (plus tax) and includes a Sanford Sports Basketball Academy jersey.

Some of the top players competing on the boys side will be seniors Sam DeGroot (Sioux Falls Lincoln), Will Kuhl (West Central), Mason Clark (O’Gorman) and Trey Hansen (Vermillion).

Sioux Falls Lincoln’s Sam DeGroot passes the ball down low to teammate Luke Krempges against O’Gorman on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls. Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live

Meanwhile, on the girls side, many of the seniors in the area have already made collegiate commitments, so the majority of the participants are generally up-and-coming players. Top names registered for the girls combine include senior Ruth Dvoracek (Sioux Falls Christian), junior Emory Lems (SFC), sophomore Ellie Meyer (O’Gorman), junior Braylee Bordewyk (Corsica-Stickney) and junior Leah Landry (Rapid City Central).

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While the combine is particularly important for seniors who have yet to make a college commitment, it also provides a crucial starting point for younger players to make a lasting first impression for college coaches.

“It’s not necessarily a point where they’re offering scholarships for some of those younger players, but meeting them and that first introduction is sort of the objective, getting them on a contact list or a list to monitor them on their end,” Kaeding said. “It can be beneficial in that realm as well.”