The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) is pleased to welcome Ryan Sailor to the team as the newly appointed Vice President of Operations—a position created to support the organization’s continued growth and commitment to its members.
As SDAHO expands its offerings to provide members with more resources and opportunities to better serve their facilities, patients, and communities, the organization is also cultivating a strong and dedicated staff. The transition from the previous Chief Operating Officer role, held by Tammy Hatting, to the new VP of Operations position will allow for greater reach and operational capacity.
In his new role, Ryan will oversee the day-to-day operations of the association and serve as a key member of the senior leadership team. His responsibilities include oversight of the association’s:
- Non-profit Division
- For-profit Division
- Finance Department
- Human Resources Function
Over the coming weeks, Ryan will be actively connecting with members and engaging with healthcare facilities across the state. Reflecting on his new role, Ryan shared: “I have always admired health care workers who took care of friends and family.”
Ryan brings more than 21 years of experience in federal and Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) work. He began his career with the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) as a data analyst and later served as vice president. Most recently, he was the director and CEO at the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (GPQIN), where he led teams across South Dakota and North Dakota to support healthcare quality improvement initiatives.
“I have always enjoyed building relationships and getting to know the incredible people who work in healthcare across South Dakota,” said Ryan. “We’re a small state, and it’s important that we support each other as we grow and improve.”
He also expressed enthusiasm for joining SDAHO: “I’ve long admired SDAHO for the support it provides its members. I’ve attended the Annual Convention and appreciated the chance to learn and network. I’m thrilled to now be part of this team and to work with amazing people every day.”
Ryan grew up in Alcester, SD, and now resides in Sioux Falls. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Sioux Falls. He and his wife, Andrea, a first-grade teacher, have been married for 27 years. They have two children, both currently attending the University of Sioux Falls.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys golfing, spending time with family, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bulls, and Kansas City Royals. He has also been a dedicated Junior Achievement volunteer for 23 years, teaching elementary students about economics, finance, and business.
Please join us in welcoming Ryan Sailor as the new Vice President of Operations at SDAHO!
