Sanford Health President and CEO Bill Gassen has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2024. This marks three consecutive years Gassen has been named to this significant list.
Prominent leaders joining Gassen include: Wright Lassiter III, CEO of CommonSpirit Health; Mark Cuban, co-founder, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co.; Rick Pollack, president and CEO, American Hospital Association; Trent Green, CEO, Amazon One Medical; Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra; Dr. Karen DeSalvo, chief health officer, Google; and Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, president and CEO, Cleveland Clinic.
The selection and ranking of the 100 Most Influential People was determined by the senior editors of Modern Healthcare. This year’s list honors the most influential figures in the industry in terms of leadership and impact who are shaping health care through policies, regulations, lobbying and business decisions.
“Our list of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare reflects the important contributions of the men and women who have helped shape the industry in 2024,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “They come from all corners of the industry and their leadership has been felt from the doctor’s office to Capitol Hill. We look forward to these honorees continuing to wield their influence to protect and improve patient care.”
Gassen focuses on patient care, innovation
Gassen, ranked No. 32 on the list, has led Sanford Health since 2020. The organization serves more than 1.4 million patients across the upper Midwest, operating 45 hospitals and more than 130 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. In October, Sanford and Wisconsin-based Marshfield Clinic Health System announced a definitive agreement to merge, a deal that would create a 56-hospital organization led by Gassen.
Throughout his time as the head of Sanford, Gassen has focused on improving patient care outcomes, adding value through its 200,000-member health plan and fostering innovation. The system has also rolled out a $350 million initiative designed to improve care for rural and underserved communities.
Prior to being appointed president and CEO in 2020, Gassen previously held several leadership positions at Sanford Health, including chief administrative officer, corporate counsel and chief human resources officer.
“It is an honor to be included on this list with the many remarkable leaders who are in their positions for the right reasons — to make real change in the health care industry and improve the lives of patients,” said Gassen. “Our team at Sanford Health is actively transforming not only how rural America is able to access world-class care, but how that care is delivered to the communities we are privileged to serve.”
Gassen serves on the Executive Committee of the American Hospital Association Board, an influential role that allows him to advocate on behalf of Sanford Health’s people, patients and communities. He was also recently appointed Chair of the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare and serves on the Board of Oscar Health.
Learn more
- Sanford opens virtual care center as rural health hub
- Sanford Health expands care in western South Dakota, Wyoming
- Sanford, Marshfield Clinic announce intent to combine
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Posted In Awards & Recognition, Company News, Corporate Services & Administration, Leadership in Health Care
