CEO

March 2025

“We Are Appleton Area Health

Appleton Area Health embodies the heartbeat of Appleton and the spirit of our expansive landscapes in Western Minnesota. It reflects the resilient nature of the people who call this area home. For too long, rural communities have faced unique challenges, and Appleton Area Health is dedicated to addressing these issues and supporting the well-being of its residents. Over the past few years, we have expanded our vision, ensuring that Appleton Area Health becomes the central destination for care—accessible from every dirt and paved road. Our mission is to bring hope, not hardship, as we serve the community. We are dedicated to caring for the mind, spirit, body, and soul of our patients, residents, and tenants, recognizing their struggles and feeling honored to support them.

We are… Appleton Area Health. “Imagine a farmer in his field, a child in her classroom, and a grandparent on her porch—all connected to the finest healthcare in western Minnesota, regardless of their distance from the city skylines. At the core of this connection are our rural nurses, EMTs, providers, and healthcare workers, who stand as champions. Equipped with innovation and driven by determination, they are ready to transform the narrative.

We are… Appleton Area Health. This isn’t just a distant dream—it’s a revolution happening right before our eyes. While significant challenges exist—such as aging communities, financial pressures, vast responsibilities, reduced reimbursements, and increased regulations—Appleton Area Health remains unwavering. Time and again, we have faced these obstacles head-on, demonstrating resilience and commitment to transforming healthcare in the region.

We are… Appleton Area Health. The future of rural healthcare at Appleton Area Health is a tapestry—simple, strong, and intricately woven with technology and the perseverance of both science and spirit. It represents a promise rooted in the land: that no one will be forgotten, every life is valued, and each community can thrive. In partnership with those who seek our care, we aim to build a system so resilient that it not only endures but also inspires. Our healthcare team is dedicated not only to healing bodies but also to uplifting spirits and sparking new possibilities.

We are… Appleton Area Health. The future of rural healthcare is not something to wait for; it is ours to embrace now. By taking action, we won’t just transform lives—we’ll illuminate the world, one rural sunrise at a time.

We are… Appleton Area Health.”

CEO

“I wish that everyone who reads this, to devote 99.5% of their time during a 24-hour period to ‘Love Your Neighbor as Yourself’ but not in spirit or words; but by doing. Try it and I will tell you that it will be life changing. Some people know that I have made taking care of veterans (myself being a vet) as my calling. I owe a lot of my success as a leader of organizations to my service defending the greatest country in the world, but I know it takes a “team” and not individuals. Four to five times per year I am honored to take 85 veterans to Washington DC who served during WW2 (The Greatest Generation who saved the world), Korean War (The Forgotten War) and Vietnam War (The War nobody wants to talk about) on one final mission with honor, to visit the memorials, Including Arlington National Cemetery. During this period, I do not think about anything else except making sure those 85 veterans have the best day of their life and devote 99.5% of my effort into this. It is truly life changing. As of today, I have accompanied over 1300 veterans for one final tour with “honor”. In a previous life, I took my board members to one of the lowest income areas in our community and asked a simple question: “How are you doing and what can we do to help you or your family to be well.” It is amazing what came from that one night: a medical mission of volunteers to take care of the medical needs of the homeless (Street Medicine). A feeding program to make sure children are not going to school hungry. The possibilities were endless as we Identified the problem and empowered the community. All this happened because we as an organization, “Loved Our Neighbor as Ourselves’ ‘. Turn the pages to Appleton Area Health this past year. With the help of the Martinson Foundation we were able to offer free cardiac calcium scoring to many of our community patients. HIPPA prohibits me from telling what we found; however, we have highlighted some of their stories this past year with their permission. We truly have made a difference in many of our community patients’ lives.”