Oct. 14, 2021

One of Sanford Health’s top executives, Micah Aberson, is leaving the organization.

Aberson, who serves as executive vice president and chief development and innovation officer, joined the system in 2015 as executive vice president of the Sanford Health Foundation.

“I don’t know that there’s anything magical about the timing,” Aberson said. “It’s a pretty simple story. … It’s the right time for me and my family to think about what the next step is. I’m excited for Sanford as it goes forward. It’s a tremendous organization doing remarkable things. It’s a good opportunity for me to turn the page and look for the next chapter.”

In communicating news of the departure internally, CEO Bill Gassen said he had “mixed emotions,” calling Aberson “a talented leader” and a “great asset” for the organization.

“Over the years, Micah lent his creative and innovative thinking to advance a range of bold pursuits, including the Sanford Lorraine Cross Award, the Sanford International golf tournament and many unique philanthropy and marketing initiatives. Micah’s leadership has inspired many of us, and he will be missed,” Gassen said.

Aberson’s last day at Sanford is Nov. 2.

Before joining Sanford, he led business development at marketing and advertising agency Lawrence & Schiller.

He remembers his first meeting while leading the Sanford Health Foundation, taking out a dollar bill and sharing with the team that while he’d never raised a dollar, he was there to support their needs. His career catapulted from there, with former CEO Kelby Krabbenhoft elevating him on the leadership team in recent years, with oversight over everything from marketing to world clinics.

“I’m really grateful,” Aberson said. “I made amazing memories and had tremendous opportunities, from early on with the foundation as a novice as it relates to fundraising and the ability to plug into different areas of the organization …  traveling to our international locations to having an audience with the pope to all the incredible things with the Sanford International and the Lorraine Cross, so many great initiatives. I’m incredibly grateful for all of that and think the organization will continue to do amazing things and wish it and its leadership all the best.”

As his 40th birthday approaches next year, he said he has not narrowed down what his next career move might be but anticipates remaining in South Dakota.

“As I see it, I’ve got a good two or three decades left. I’ve had a great two decades thus far in the business community, and it’s a great opportunity to just think through what I can do next and where I can make an impact and find the greatest amount of fulfillment and do the most good,” he said.