Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics gained new leadership Tuesday with the announcement that Mary Ellen Wells had been hired as chief executive officer.
Wells has served as interim CEO for the Litchfield-based hospital and clinics since October.
“I am excited and honored to take the ‘interim’ off my title,” Wells said. “Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics is a wonderful organization with a rich history and a strong commitment to its people, its community and to providing the best health care possible to this region. I look forward to building on the strong foundation as we continue to evolve to support the needs of our communities.”
Wells was selected by a search committee that included Meeker Memorial Governing Board members and CentraCare executive leadership. Her hiring became official with approval from the Meeker County Board.
“Mary Ellen brings proven experience, expertise and dedicated knowledge to this role,” said Commissioner Beth Oberg, who serves as hospital board chair. “We look forward to continuing to work with her to move our plans forward to enhance how we care for our region.”
Wells has 40 years of experience serving in leadership positions across a wide array of hospital and health systems.
She has served as a senior executive and CEO of several independent and affiliated hospitals, clinics and skilled nursing facilities within Allina Health, CentraCare and the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic. She also served as the program director, dyad leader and senior lecturer for the University of Minnesota’s Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program and remains involved as an alumni volunteer and adjunct faculty. Wells has a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in education and counseling from the University of Michigan.
“Mary Ellen is an innovative, driven leader who is known for her collaborative approach to achieving business objectives,” said Bryan Lydick, CentraCare executive director, Rural Health Southwest Division. “CentraCare and Meeker Memorial share a unique and special commitment to rural health care and are jointly dedicated to enhancing and growing high-quality health care close to home.”
Wells lives in Annandale with her husband, Bill Arendt. She enjoys many outdoor activities and spending time with family. She is very involved in community and educational volunteer efforts, including serving on several boards and foundations that support non-profit agencies.
