Avera Heart Hospital names new president

Avera Heart Hospital has appointed Michael E. (Mick) Gibbs as its new president, the hospital system has announced.

Gibbs will lead Avera Heart Hospital and serve as cardiac and vascular service line leader for Avera Health. He has 14 years of experience in health care administration, most recently at Rapid City Regional Hospital as president and, before that, as chief operating officer. Gibbs holds a Master of Health Care Administration degree from the University of Minnesota and is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). His background includes leadership positions at Sanford Health in Fargo and Gordon Memorial Hospital in Nebraska.

Gibbs replaces Jon Soderholm, who left the role in December after a health care career that spanned more than 50 years.

Acting interim CEO Dave Kapaska said Gibbs has a strong history of visionary leadership and brings expertise and experience to the role. Avera Heart Hospital is owned by Avera McKennan Hospital and the physicians of North Central Heart.

Gibbs will relocate to Sioux Falls with his wife, Michelle, and their three daughters prior to his May 1 start date.