Winneshiek Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Health System leaders have announced Steve Slessor has been appointed to serve as the next Chief Administrative Officer at Winneshiek Medical Center. He will begin his new role on June 1, 2021.
Clark Goltz, chair, WMC Board of Trustees, says, “I am elated that Steve was selected as the new CAO for Winneshiek Medical Center. Steve is an optimistic and visionary leader. His openness to new ideas and innovative solution models will help ensure that Winneshiek Medical Center continues to live up to our primary value where the needs of the patient come first.”
Steve is the current chief executive officer for Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa, and has served in that role since 2013. Prior to serving there, he held various leadership and administrative roles at UnityPoint Health Allen in Waterloo, Iowa, including Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Vice President of Operations, Senior Director of Strategic Development, and Director of Business Planning and Development.
Steve received his Master of Health Administration from University of Iowa, and his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from University of Northern Iowa. He currently resides in Independence with his wife and three young children, and looks forward to relocating to the Decorah area with his family in the near future.
“The process to identify and ultimately offer the position to the right candidate was thorough and robust,” says Thomas Marquardt, D.P.M, chief medical officer, Winneshiek Medical Center. “We were able to receive feedback from a diverse selection committee, as well as feedback from our entire WMC staff. Steve has demonstrated strong leadership abilities throughout his career. We are excited to welcome him to Winneshiek Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Health System.”
The Chief Administrative Officer position is currently held by Lisa Radtke, who, in the fall of 2020, announced her intentions to retire. She will remain at WMC through the transition. Winneshiek Medical Center’s Management Services Agreement with Mayo Clinic Health System outlined the ensuing search and selection process. The selection committee consisted of elected members of the WMC Board of Trustees, WMC leaders and Mayo Clinic Health System leaders. Following a recommendation from the selection committee, the WMC Board of Trustees approved the nomination at a special meeting on March 17, 2021.
Eric Crockett, regional chair, Mayo Clinic Health System – Southeast Minnesota, says, “We are excited to welcome Steve to the Decorah community. He brings rich leadership experience to this role and we’re anxious to begin working together as he joins the WMC and Mayo Southeast Minnesota team! We wish Steve and his family well as they relocate over the coming months.” Eric adds, “I also want to recognize Lisa’s contribution to WMC over the years and all that she has done to lead WMC and add to the Decorah community. In addition, as our SE MN region gets more involved in the management of WMC, we look forward to getting to know all of the staff in Decorah.”
Steve says, “I am thrilled to join Winneshiek Medical Center. From my time interviewing, it is clear that this organization has an incredible opportunity ahead of it to build upon its past foundation and establish WMC as the premier healthcare organization in Northeast Iowa. I intend to work with the team to focus on relationships, community partnerships, growth and the patient experience. My family and I are also excited to join the Decorah Community. Decorah has a fantastic reputation across the entire state and will be a great place to raise our three children.”
