ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – Richard (Dick) Molseed has been appointed to the position of Interim Regional President and CEO of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen and CEO of Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre. He will begin his interim duties on Feb. 21.

An executive search will start soon.

Todd Forkel, Regional President and CEO of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen and CEO of Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre recently announced plans to leave Avera to become the new CEO of Altru Health System based in Grand Forks, N.D. Forkel will be with Avera until Feb. 20.

“Dick brings a wealth of experience to this interim leadership role for Avera St. Luke’s and Avera St. Mary’s hospitals and the communities they serve,” said Bob Sutton, Avera President and CEO. “Having spent over 28 years with Avera, he is well suited to lead these Avera facilities through this leadership transition.”

Dick retired from Avera after 28 years in June of 2020. Following his retirement, he returned to serve as Avera’s Interim Chief Information Officer.

He served as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Governance from 2011 until his retirement. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center and in other management roles.

Dick has made many contributions to the Avera St. Luke’s and Avera St. Mary’s regions in the past – and he is well suited to guide the two regions through a transition of leadership.

He was instrumental in the transition of Avera St. Mary’s into Avera, served as board representative to Avera St. Luke’s and as a member of the Avera St. Mary’s Board of Directors. In addition, Dick earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Northern State University in Aberdeen. He also holds a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of South Dakota.

We are seeking leadership who will carry on the great work that has been done and support the changing and evolving needs of the Avera St. Luke’s and Avera St. Mary’s regions and our dynamic workforce.