The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) celebrated its 99th Annual Convention September 24-26, 2025, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. During the celebration, the award luncheon was held to recognize health care leaders from across the state.
American Hospital Association
The American Hospital Association (AHA) earlier this year presented two AHA awards to SDAHO members, which were recognized during the 2025 SDAHO Annual Convention Award Luncheon.
Political Action Committee’s Most Valuable Player – Dr. Michael Wilde, Sanford Health
The AHA Political Action Committee’s Most Valuable Player Award recognizes individuals who champion the importance of a strong PAC by building robust support within their organizations and fostering meaningful relationships with legislators.
This year’s honoree is Dr. Michael C. Wilde, Chief Physician for Sanford Health in the Sioux Falls Region. In this role, he oversees the employment of physicians and advanced practice providers, while advancing Sanford’s commitment to quality care and strong advocacy.
Dr. Wilde earned his undergraduate degree from Creighton University and his medical degree from the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota. He went on to complete his Internal Medicine residency at USD and practiced at Sanford Clinic in Sioux Falls for 12 years. His leadership experience also includes service on the Sanford Board of Governors and as Senior Vice President of Medicine and Medicine Subspecialties.
Through his dedication to both healthcare and advocacy, Dr. Wilde exemplifies the spirit of the AHA PAC Most Valuable Player Award.
Grassroots Champion Award – Mick Gibbs, Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota
The Grassroots Champion Award honors leaders who excel in building community engagement and advocating for healthcare through education, outreach, and strong relationships with elected officials.
This year’s recipient, Michael “Mick” Gibbs, serves as President and CEO of Avera Heart Hospital of Sioux Falls. With more than 25 years of healthcare leadership, his career began as a postgraduate fellow at Rapid City Regional Hospital, where he later became president. He has also held executive positions at Sanford Health in Fargo, N.D., and Gordon Memorial Hospital in Gordon, Neb.
Mick holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Biomedical Ethics from Case Western Reserve University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota. He has been a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives since 2007. Alongside his executive roles, he has served as visiting or adjunct faculty at the University of South Dakota, University of North Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, and most recently, Mount Marty University.
Mick has chaired the American Heart Association Heart Walk eight times in three cities, volunteered with hospice, and served on numerous boards including Children’s Home Society, the University of North Dakota College of Arts & Sciences, SDAHO, and the Sioux Falls Board of Health.
Through his leadership and commitment to community, Mick Gibbs exemplifies the spirit of the Grassroots Champion Award.
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Regents Award for Early Careerist – Johnathan Talcott, Monument Health
The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Regents Award for Early Careerist is John Talcott, Director of the Heart and Vascular Institute with Monument Health.
Mr. Talcott leads fifteen physicians and more than two hundred staff, driving excellence in cardiovascular care. He also helped shape Monument Health’s operational plan, strengthened governance, and advanced partnerships with the Mayo Clinic. A graduate of the University of South Dakota and the University of Pittsburgh, John is President-Elect of the SD Medical Group Management Association and serves on the Rapid City Cardiac Ready Community Steering Team.
Healthcare Leadership Regents Award – Thomas Worsley, Monument Health
The American College of Healthcare Executives, Healthcare Leadership Award is Thomas Worsley, President of Monument Health Spearfish Hospital and Monument Health Network.
Thomas brings a broad background in health care management, from physician practice leadership to health policy and medical center operations. Beyond his professional role, he is deeply engaged in the community, serving on the Spearfish Economic Development Board, chairing Feeding South Dakota, and contributing to the Good Shepherd Clinic, Rotary, and the SDAHO board.
He earned his Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Portland State University and a bachelor’s in economics and finance from Brigham Young University.
Senior Level Healthcare Executive Regents Award – James “Jim” Dover, Avera Health
This year’s Senior Level Healthcare Executive Regents Award from ACHE is James “Jim” Dover, FACHE, President and CEO, Avera Health. Mr. Dover’s strong depth of health care leadership encompasses 40 years’ experience. He provides strategic vision, operational oversight, and executive leadership across all aspects of the health system, including leading the senior leadership team and interfacing with system governance.
Dover holds a Master’s of Hospital Administration from the University of Minnesota and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
LifeSource
Excellence in Hospital Partnership Award – Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
Monument Health’s unwavering commitment to donor families and the community is unmatched in western South Dakota. Partnerships like this show what can be achieved when commitment and compassion come together to save lives. Accepting the award: Stephanie Battell, Director of Nursing with Monument Health Rapid City
Excellence in Partnership Hospital Unit Award: Sanford USD Critical Care UnitÂ
Sanford’s USD Critical Care Unit provides exceptional medical management of patients, which has allowed LifeSource to maximize each donor’s potential—ultimately saving more lives. The compassionate care for families, along with the dedication to organ, tissue, and eye donation, is deeply appreciated. Accepting the award, Kristinia Hofer, Director of Nursing Inpatient, Critical Care and Dana Heidebrink Director of ICU.
Excellence in Partnership Individual Award: Kylie Stephens Avera McKennan HospitalÂ
Kylie Stephens with Avera McKennan Hospital is truly exceptional. She exemplifies the very best of a registered nurse—her willingness, foresight, and dedication are admired by all. She is exactly the type of person we think of when we think of excellence in nursing. Kylie continues to share her compassion and dedication to healthcare with those she serves and she is making a lasting impact on donation and saving lives.
Excellence in Partnership Organization Award – SDAHO
This past year, SDAHO advanced donation education, amplified messaging on its website, and engaged members and the public through social media outreach. SDAHO’s leadership has played a key role in raising awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. Because of efforts like these, South Dakota’s donor designation rate is now at 61%—well above the national average. Accepting the award, Paulette Davidson, SDAHO Board Chair.
South Dakota Association for Healthcare Quality (SDAHQ)Â
Quality Professional of the Year – Jessica Danko, The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care
As a Respiratory Therapist and enthusiastic health care leader, Jessica (Jess) has dedicated her career to quality improvement, infection prevention, and advancing public health.
in her current role, she oversees projects that support education, tribal communities, and underserved populations.
Jess also serves as President of the South Dakota Association for Healthcare Quality and as Conference Chair for the South Dakota APIC committee.
South Dakota Chapter of Healthcare Financial Management Association (SDHFMA)
Gold Award – Austin Willuweit, Monument Health Rapid City
The Gold Award, is granted to individuals who have accumulated 75 engagement points.
Austin Willuweit is the Chief Financial Officer for Monument Health in Rapid City.
Austin is a past President of the HFMA South Dakota chapter, and current President of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Rapid City. He is a University of South Dakota graduate and is an active CPA.
Medal of Honor Award – Stanley Knobloch, Sanford Health
This prestigious honor is awarded to individuals who have been active in HFMA for at least three years after earning the Gold Award, have provided significant service at the chapter, regional, or national level, and remain members in good standing.
Stanley has dedicated 27 years to operational finance across Sanford’s rural hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and assisted living facilities. Stanley has been a certified healthcare financial professional since 2005, he has also served on community boards and volunteered as an EMT for 24 years.
Medal of Honor Award – Geoff Knobloch, Eide BaillyÂ
With 28 years in public accounting, Geoff leads the firm’s healthcare industry practice, working with clients nationwide on audits, financing projects, and mergers and acquisitions. He is a past president of the South Dakota HFMA chapter and recently served nationally as regional executive of HFMA Region 8.
South Dakota Organization of Nurse Leaders
Nurse Leadership Award – Tammy Hillestad, Brookings Health System
Tammy Hillestad is the Chief Nursing Officer with Brookings Health System. Tammy is also a past President of the SDONL and has served in many leadership roles within the affiliate group.
For years Tammy was the voice for communication efforts for the group, led the transition to the new website and has served as a mentor to many.
Tammy diligently works to keep nurse leaders connected and energized and is a leader in the nursing field throughout South Dakota.
SDAHO Enterprises Allied Health Professionals Scholarship Award
Last year the first ever SDAHO Enterprises Nursing and Allied Health Professionals’ Scholarship was created. The scholarship supports undergraduate Nursing and Allied Health Professional students currently enrolled or accepted into South Dakota Board of Regents institutions. Scholarship recipients receive $5,000.00 over the course of their college careers.
This year’s scholarship recipients were announced during the SDAHO 2025 Annual Convention and are:
- Katelyn Bush
- McKenna Olson
- Brooke Trove
Healthcare Leadership Excellence Award
The Healthcare Leadership Excellence Award was presented to Bryan Slaba, Chief Executive Officer of Wagner Community Memorial Hospital – Avera, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication to improving rural health care. Since becoming CEO in 2007, Slaba has championed innovation and access, leading the development of one of the nation’s most advanced rural telemedicine programs. His career in health care spans more than three decades, including leadership roles focused on hospital operations, community engagement, and strategic development within the Avera system.
Under his direction, Wagner Community Memorial Hospital has expanded services, strengthened partnerships, and elevated the quality of care for residents across southeastern South Dakota. Committed to patient-centered care, Slaba has prioritized improving health outcomes for American Indian populations and addressing the broader social determinants of health.
Nationally recognized for his impact, he has received multiple honors, including the American Hospital Association’s South Dakota Grassroots Champion Award and recognition by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the top rural hospital and system CEOs to know.
Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients. To see SDAHO awards from this year’s Annual Convention, click here.
