Avera Presiden & CEO Bob Sutton to resign at the end of September

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Avera President and CEO Bob Sutton is resigning his position at the end of September.

In a news release, Avera says Sutton made the decision to step down because of a recently diagnosed serious medical condition that requires an intensive treatment regimen.

During Sutton’s 10 years, five as the President and CEO, Avera has opened numerous building projects including the campuses in Gregory and Gettysburg that now include a new hospital, clinic and long-term care facilities; the Helmsley Center in Pierre, which brought radiation oncology to the region; the Avera Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls; the opening of South Dakota’s first free-standing emergency departments; and the expansion of the Avera Behavioral Health Hospital, adding the first psychiatric urgent care to the area.

Prior to becoming the President and CEO, he served as Avera’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources. He has been with Avera since 2013 and served in roles that include Regional President and CEO of Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre and Senior Vice President of Community Relations.

Sutton says, “It has been an honor to lead this rural health system.” He thanks people for their support and says he’s “facing this time with confidence in my care team and a grateful, hopeful heart.”

Sutton is married to Lori, his wife of 32 years. They have two children.

An executive search firm is being retained and a national search will start in the coming months for the next leader of the Avera Health system.