Dec. 20, 2021

Sanford Health has promoted Deb Koski to chief philanthropy officer.

Koski joined the Sanford Health Foundation in 2004 to lead the fundraising campaign for the construction of Sanford Children’s Hospital. Most recently, she served as the system executive director of the foundation.

In her new role, Koski will lead the foundation and oversee all philanthropic strategies and initiatives across the Sanford Health enterprise. She will work with foundation leaders in Sioux Falls; Fargo and Bismarck, North Dakota; and Bemidji, Minnesota; to reach people in those communities and beyond to inspire giving.

“I’m absolutely honored to contribute to the foundation’s important work in this new leadership role,” Koski said in a statement. “With an incredible staff and community of donors, I look forward to expanding our philanthropic impact and doing more good for the people served by Sanford and the Good Samaritan Society.”

The role most recently was held by Bobbie Tibbetts, who resigned in early November.

Gifts to the foundation stay local, and all the money raised supports everything from equipment and technology to research and non-billed services such as nurse navigation and spiritual care. The foundation also manages hundreds of endowed funds that are created by individual and family donors of at least $10,000 and corporate donors of $25,000 or more.

“Deb is a highly respected colleague by so many, and she is the right person for this role,” said Nathan Peterson, Sanford Health executive vice president and chief strategy and development officer, who oversees the position.

“I believe in the power of philanthropy and know it makes an incredible difference for our patients and residents, people and communities.”