April 22, 2025

Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen is growing his leadership team.

Gassen today announced two hires:

• Ryan Nelson, senior executive adviser to the CEO.
• Nathan Peterson, executive vice president, chief strategy officer.

Nelson joins Sanford Health after a 28-year career serving U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune as his chief of staff.

“He has long been one of Leader Thune’s most trusted advisers, and we are fortunate to be able to benefit from his expertise and perspective,” Gassen said.

“In his new role, Ryan serves as a strategic partner to me and my executive leadership team. He is responsible for providing counsel on key matters, aligning the activities of my office with our system priorities and ensuring we are focusing our time and energy on what matters most: our patients, our people and our communities.”

Peterson returns to Sanford Health following time away, during which he pursued a cyber operations degree at Dakota State University. He previously spent 13 years at Sanford Health in a variety of roles, including as executive vice president, chief of staff, and chief strategy and development officer.

“In his new role, Nathan will focus on two key areas: system governance with the Sanford Health board of trustees and system-level strategic growth,” Gassen said. “Nathan will be responsible for leading all potential strategic development opportunities and identifying partnerships that align with our mission and vision.”

Gassen also announced that Andy Wentzy, who most recently served as chief of staff, has left the organization.

“I remain deeply grateful to him for his more than two decades of service to Sanford Health, his belief in our purpose and his thoughtful guidance,” he said. “Throughout his career, Andy contributed to the success of the organization in a variety of roles, in areas including operations, marketing, World Clinics and strategic planning. We wish Andy nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Wentzy’s departure led to the restructuring that created the two roles.

“These changes are intended to ensure we have the necessary capabilities and experience at the table to maintain momentum toward our goals in an increasingly dynamic health care landscape,” Gassen said.