April 17, 2023

Avera Health CEO Bob Sutton is stepping down later this year following a recent medical diagnosis.

Sutton has held the role since 2018. He has been with Avera since 2013 and previously served as executive vice president of human resources, regional president and CEO of Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre and senior vice president of community relations for Avera.

“During my years at Avera, I have met colleagues who turned into lifelong friends,” Sutton said in a statement. “We have the finest people changing lives each day with the care and services we provide. It has been an honor to lead this rural health system. Although I am sad to step away, I know that Avera’s tremendous leadership team and the guidance of our sponsors will ensure this ministry will be successful long into the future. Thank you for your support. I am facing this time with confidence in my care team and a grateful, hopeful heart.”

In a statement, Avera said Sutton’s diagnosis will require an intensive treatment regimen. His last day at Avera will be Sept. 30.

“While we are saddened by Bob’s impending departure from the organization, we are inspired by the humble and courageous decision he has made. We respectfully request Bob’s privacy with his condition and hold the Sutton family in prayer,” Sister Roxanne Seifert, Avera system members chairperson, said in a statement.

Under Sutton’s leadership over the past decade, Avera has opened numerous building projects and completed renovations in communities across the system’s 72,000-square-mile footprint.

Signature projects include the campuses in Gregory and Gettysburg that include new hospital, clinic and long-term care facilities; the Avera Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls; the opening of the Helmsley Center in Pierre, which brought radiation oncology to that region; the opening of South Dakota’s first free-standing emergency departments; and the expansion of the Avera Behavioral Health Hospital, adding the first psychiatric urgent care center to the Sioux Falls area.

“Bob’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in creating a culture of growth, accountability, collaboration and transparency, all of which are indicators of a robust health ministry. Bob has our full support to focus on his health, his treatment plan and his family. We are grateful to Bob for sharing his giftedness and presence with this ministry these many years,” Seifert said.

Sutton’s professional experience beyond Avera includes statewide leadership positions as president of the South Dakota Community Foundation, vice president of government and public affairs for Citibank of South Dakota, executive vice president for the South Dakota Bankers Association, executive director of both the South Dakota Petroleum Council and South Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association and executive director of the South Dakota Association of County Officials.

Sutton is a past president of the South Dakota Board of Regents. He currently serves as the vice chairman of the USD Discovery District and on the board of directors for the Catholic Health Association, South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry, South Dakota Community Foundation, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and American Bank & Trust.

An executive search firm is being retained, and a national search will start in the coming months for the next leader of the Avera Health system.