YANKTON, SD (Dec. 3, 2024) – Doug Ekeren, Regional President and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, has announced plans to retire in early May 2025 following a 39-year career in health care leadership.
“I am so proud of the work I have been able to do alongside the providers and employees in the Avera Sacred Heart region to keep our health care ministry vibrant and vital more than 125 years after it was founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery in 1897. Their vision, dedication and guidance continue to inspire me to reach higher in our never-ending pursuit of high-quality care – as I know it does our caregivers and support staff,” Ekeren said. “Over my four decades in health care, I’ve seen countless instances of heroism at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, our long-term care community on the Avera Sacred Heart Majestic Bluffs Campus, the Avera Cancer Institute, our clinics and at locations across the Avera footprint. It’s been a great honor to play a role in shaping an organization – a ministry – that supports those heroic efforts and provides care to our family, friends and neighbors.”
After beginning his career as CEO of Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg, Ekeren joined Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in 1993 and held various vice president positions until being named Regional President and CEO in 2014.
In recent years, he also served as top administrator of Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell from 2020 to 2023, in addition to being Avera Sacred Heart’s leader. In 2017, Ekeren took on leadership of Avera’s Long-Term Care Strategic Business Unit, and has held licensure as a nursing home administrator for 30 years. He also serves as administrative lead for Avera’s Orthopedics Service Line.
“Doug has demonstrated tremendous leadership throughout his nearly four decades in health care, and we will miss having his talents and experience at Avera,” said Dave Flicek, Chief Operating Officerfor Avera Health. “With his calm demeanor, analytical approach and clear focus, Doug has overseen many expansions of our health care ministry, including the acquisition of the Avera Fox Run Health Campus and our plans under way to grow Avera Cancer Institute services in Yankton. His strong commitment to patients, providers and employees will continue to pay dividends for years to come.”
Ekeren is a native of Gayville, S.D. He received his bachelor’s degree in health services administration from the University of South Dakota and a master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of Minnesota.
Ekeren is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He currently serves on the boards of Yankton Thrive, Avera Health Plans, Avera@Home, South Dakota and Montana Make-A-Wish, and the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. Ekeren recently received a Distinguished Service Award as Post-Acute Care Champion from the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations.
He has been married to his wife, Karen, for 39 years. They have three adult children and nine grandchildren. In retirement, Doug looks forward to spending time with his family and traveling.
A national search will commence to find the next President and CEO of the Avera Sacred Heart region, which covers southeast South Dakota and northeast Nebraska. Ekeren will remain through the transition.
“We thank Doug for his dedication to Avera and the many ways he has benefited our organization with his leadership talents,” Flicek said. “We wish him the best in this new chapter of life.”
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About Avera:
The Avera Health system has over 20,800 employees and physicians, serving more than 315 locations and 100 communities in a five-state region. Our ministry, our people and our superior value distinguish Avera. We carry on the health care legacy of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, delivering care in an environment guided by our values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship. For more information about Avera, see our website at Avera.org.
