New hospital Chief Administrative Officer attends first board meeting

Gretchen Dahlen (center)

The new Chief Administrative Officer at Winneshiek Medical Center, Gretchen Dahlen, on Wednesday attended her first board meeting as the top administrator at the hospital.

Dahlen said her job was to "make things better" around the hospital.  She stated there is "a level of contentiousness" in the community about the hospital and noted "the (hospital) board feels under the gun."

Dahlen promised to "ratchet down the level of contention."  She said that would be possible by having health care providers align around the needs of the patient.

Dahlen has been serving as Chief Executive Officer for North Woods Community Health Clinic in Hayward, Wisconsin.  She has also led ambulatory care and medical group practices, home health, new ventures development and other healthcare services in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.  She was formerly president and chief executive officer of Meriter Health Enterprises, and held various vice president and chief operating officer positions with Meriter Health Services and Madison General Hospital. She has also been administrator and chief executive officer of Sanford Hospital and Nursing Home, and assistant administrator of Metropolitan Hospital and Health Centers.

She graduated cum laude from St. Olaf College, then received a master's degree in Health Services Administration from The University of Michigan.