Meeker Memorial Hospital and Clinics has selected a new leader.
Its board of directors unanimously chose Kurt Waldbillig as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Waldbillig, who currently serves as CEO of Swift County-Benson Health Services, will succeed Kyle Rasmussen, who retired May 1.
“After an exhaustive search process, the board is pleased to have found the best individual to lead this strong, independent and financially successful organization into the future,” said Beth Oberg, chairwoman of Meeker Memorial Hospital and Clinics Board of Directors and a Meeker County commissioner. “Kurt’s vision, leadership and experience in growing local access to high quality services will serve our community well.”
“Kurt emerged as the best choice in a pool of interested and well qualified candidates,” said John Spreiter, hospital board vice chairman and chairman of its CEO search committee. “He’s a successful healthcare executive and brings with him proven experience in leading rural, critical-access facilities. He’s demonstrated a commitment to growth, innovation and financial performance, all while ensuring that patient care remains at the heart of every decision.”
Marc Vaillancourt, Meeker Memorial’s chief development officer, said Waldbillig is expected to begin his new position sometime in September, no later than the end of that month.
The selection of Waldbillig caps a hiring process facilitated by a healthcare executive search firm. With 54 initial prospects, the field was narrowed to a group of candidates who were ultimately interviewed by the board’s search committee. A final round of interviews was conducted with other key stakeholders.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead Meeker Memorial Hospital and Clinics,” Waldbillig said. “I’m excited to join a group of dedicated and mission-driven staff and providers and to build on the wonderful story that is Meeker Memorial.”
Waldbillig has a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of North Dakota and a master’s degree in management, with a concentration in health care, from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Prior to his time at Swift County Benson Health Services, Waldbillig served as CEO of Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin, North Dakota, and Sakakawea Medical Center in Hazen, North Dakota, and as vice president of physician services at St. Alexis Medical Center in Bismarck.
Waldbillig and his wife, Joleen of 13 years, have five adult children and three grandchildren. The Waldbilligs plan to relocate to Litchfield this fall.
At its July 3 meeting, the Meeker County Board of Commissioners is expected to ratify the hospital board’s decision to appoint Waldbillig.
