Quick departures are not uncommon in the health care industry

Former Winneshiek Medical Center Chief Administrator Gretchen Dahlen is now the Interim Chief Executive Officer at the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations

When Winneshiek Medical Center Chief Administrative Officer Gretchen Dahlen resigned in April of this year, her resignation came on a Wednesday and was effective Friday.  A news release from the hospital gave no reason for Dahlen's resignation.

It turns out such quick departures can happen elsewhere in the health care industry.  Dahlen has now been hired as the Interim Chief Executive Officer at the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations.  She replaces Dave Hewett, who had led the organization for 17 years--since 1997.

South Dakota statehouse news reporter Bob Mercer says "Dave was an important, experienced lobbyist in issues involving the Legislature and the governors' administrations."  Mercer reported in a news story (see it at: http://my605.com/pierrereview/?p=10804) that Mercer wrote a "President's Perspective" column June 16th on the SDAHO website--but four days later his photo had been removed from the website with no explanation.  Later the SDAHO board chair issued a prepared statement that said only, "The SDAHO Board will begin its search for a new President immediately. We appreciate the work Mr. Hewett has provided to our membership and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."  As with Winneshiek Medical Center when Dahlen left the hospital, the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations gave no reason for Hewett's departure.