The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations recognized several individuals with Distinguished Service Awards during the 2025 Annual Convention.
The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) celebrated its 99th annual convention September 24-26, 2025, in Sioux Falls. During the celebration, an award luncheon was held to recognize SDAHO’s own Distinguished Service Awards (DSA). Recipients of the DSAs are nominated by their peers for their dedication to the healthcare profession and who have or continue to make a difference in the healthcare community.
Healthcare Professional of the Year
Angie Haugen, Director of Respiratory Care, Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
With over 35 years in respiratory care, Angie Haugen has dedicated her career to advancing patient care and elevating the profession of respiratory therapy. As Director of Respiratory Care at Monument Health, she oversees clinical operations, education, and patient safety initiatives while mentoring the next generation of respiratory care leaders.
Angie has served multiple terms on the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners’ Respiratory Care Advisory Committee, as well as leadership roles within the South Dakota Society for Respiratory Care and the American Association for Respiratory Care. Her work has earned her multiple awards for excellence in leadership, mentorship, and professional advocacy. Angie’s commitment has helped strengthen respiratory therapy as an essential part of multidisciplinary care.
  Healthcare Hero of the Year
 Brittany Walz, Acute Therapy Technician, Avera McKennan Hospital
Brittany Walz began her healthcare journey at Avera St. Benedict in Parkston, working six years as a Wellness Assistant while completing high school and college. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Biology from the University of South Dakota, where she developed a strong foundation in science and patient care.
Now serving as an Acute Therapy Technician at Avera McKennan, Brittany supports patients through critical moments of recovery and rehabilitation. In addition, she completed a two-year internship with Avera’s Solid Organ Transplant team, gaining valuable experience in highly specialized care. Brittany is recognized for her compassion, resilience, and dedication to patients and families during their most vulnerable times.
Healthcare Journalist of the Year
Jack Caudill, Anchor KOTA Territory News, Gray TV, Black Hills Market
Jack started at KEVN back in 1983 and has been here ever since. Starting as weekend sports anchor, he has served as sports director, news anchor and news director of KEVN and is now the anchor for KOTA Territory News at 5:30 and The SIX each day. Born and raised in Cincinnati, he is a graduate of Ohio University.
Jack is passionate about the news business, telling great stories right here in the Black Hills and maintaining the integrity and fairness that has been the hallmark of KEVN and KOTA. He has spearheaded the station’s weekly HealthWatch segments since 2006. Jack was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022. He is now in remission and has become an enthusiastic advocate for early detection and routine screenings.Â
 Post-Acute Champion of the Year
Rhonda Wiering, VP Clinical Growth and Innovation, Avera@Home (retired Feb. 2025)
For more than four decades, Rhonda Wiering has served in nursing and healthcare leadership, shaping the future of post-acute care in South Dakota. Beginning her career at Avera Tyler in 1981, Rhonda held positions as Director of Nursing, Long-Term Care Administrator, and Home Care and Hospice Director.
In 2005, she became Avera Regional Quality Director, helping to develop the Avera Care Transitions program before joining the leadership team at Avera@Home in 2013. She was instrumental in expanding home-based services, including launching the Hospital@Home program at Avera McKennan. Rhonda has also served on national and state committees such as the American Hospital Association Post-Acute Committee and SDAHO’s Home Care Council.
Her legacy includes mentoring future leaders and ensuring patients across the region receive high-quality care at home and in long-term care settings.
 Quality Champion of the Year
Dr. Joseph Segeleon, VP Medical Officer of Sanford Children’s and VP of Quality and Safety, Sanford Sioux Falls Region
Dr. Joseph Segeleon has combined clinical excellence with leadership in patient safety and quality. After completing his medical degree, pediatric residency, and critical care training at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University, he spent 25 years in pediatric intensive care before transitioning into leadership roles.
As VP of Quality and Safety at Sanford, Dr. Segeleon leads Sanford’s SAFE program, a commitment to high reliability and safety across the health system. He is also a Team STEPPS master trainer, skilled in improving team communication and culture to enhance patient outcomes.
Beyond his hospital role, Dr. Segeleon co-founded Kids’ Kitchen, a pantry at Sanford Children’s that distributes over 5,000 pounds of food and hygiene products weekly to families in need. His impact extends beyond the hospital walls, addressing community health and social needs.
 Trustee of the Year
Ross McKie, Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
Ross McKie has combined business leadership with deep community service for more than three decades. A University of South Dakota graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Ross is the owner of Carstar Rapid City and a founding director of Black Hills Community Bank, where he has held leadership roles since 2007.
He has served on the Monument Health Board since 2012, including terms as Board Chair and Vice Chair. Ross has also chaired the hospital’s Corporate Responsibility Committee for nearly a decade. His civic involvement includes leadership roles with the Children’s Home Society, Performing Arts Center of Rapid City, and honorary command at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Ross holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of South Dakota.
State Legislator of the Year
Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, Vice Chair SD House Health and Human Services Committee
Elected in 2020, she represents District 14 in Sioux Falls and serves on the House Health and Human Services Committee, while also holding national leadership roles with the National Council of State Legislature and the Council of State Governments. In the legislature, she has been a strong advocate for mental health, childcare, housing, suicide prevention, and workforce development. Rep. Rehfeldt continues to lead with passion, integrity, and a dedication to improving the lives of South Dakotans.
Rep. Rehfeldt is a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and her career reflects a deep commitment to both healthcare and public service.
State Official of the Year
Secretary Melissa Magstadt, South Dakota Department of Health
Secretary Melissa Magstadt has been involved in South Dakota healthcare for over 30 years. She is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and co-owner of Quick Care SD. She served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2011 to 2014 and was a member of the House Committee on Health and Human Services.
Her education includes a Master’s in Science from South Dakota State University with a focus on family nurse practitioner. She also has a Master’s in Business Administration from Mount Marty University. She graduated from the Great Plains Public Health Leadership Institute at the University of Nebraska and recently completed her fellowship at the University of Arizona’s Center for Integrated Medicine. Sec. Magstadt is a born and raised South Dakotan residing in the northeast part of the state.
Young Professional (under 40) of the Year
Mara Hermiston, DO, Avera Medical Group
Dr. Mara Hermiston is a board-certified family medicine and obstetric physician and the Chief Medical Officer of Avera Medical Group.
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hermiston is responsible for leading Avera Medical Group in advancing the Avera mission to provide the highest quality care to patients. Her primary focus areas include physician relationships, clinician wellbeing and quality care.
Dr. Hermiston joined Avera in 2016 as a family medicine physician and obstetrician at Lakes Regional Family Medicine in Spirit Lake, Iowa, where she served as the lead clinic physician and board member of the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians.
Growing up in a military family, Dr. Hermiston lived in many places and graduated from high school in Germany. She holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from Wartburg College.
Congratulations to all of the 2025 SDAHO Distinguished Service Award recipients.
