Avera Health announces new president, CEO
Jim Dover replaces Bob Sutton, who resigned over health issue
An Avera Health search committee has selected James “Jim” Dover to serve as the health system’s president and chief executive officer, the system announced Wednesday.
Dover has been an executive in health care for more than 30 years. He replaces Bob Sutton, who resigned this summer over an undisclosed serious health issue.
Dover starts Oct. 23.
“For the Avera System Members and the Avera board, it was paramount that we find a leader who is committed to Avera’s 125-year legacy of rural health care and our Gospel-based mission to improve the lives of those we serve,” said Sr. Mary Kay Panowicz, who chaired the search committee. “In Jim Dover, we see an engaging and compassionate leader who will lead Avera into its next era of serving the community's health, our dedicated employees and our outstanding medical community.”
Dover has served as the president and CEO of Sparrow Health in Lansing, Michigan. The system includes a teaching and level 1 trauma hospital, four regional hospitals and a total of 120 sites of care. Its population mix includes rural and urban residents.
He has also served in leadership roles for systems in Illinois, California and Colorado.
Avera Health has more than $3 billion in annual revenue and more than 20,000 employees. Its 37 hospitals, 200 clinics, 40 long-term care facilities are in a footprint that includes the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Minnesota. It is also the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services.
“I am humbled and honored to lead such a remarkable organization,” Dover said in a release. “Avera’s legacy of compassionate care is palpable, and I look forward to helping ensure its future success. It is my personal mission to make a difference in the lives of others. I look forward to meeting all the team members and providers who take care of our patients and communities on a daily basis.”
Dover received his bachelor’s degree of bacteriology from the University of Idaho, his master’s degree of hospital administration from University of Minnesota and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
“As I embark on this next chapter, I am committed to listening, learning and being present and engaged with our employees, our physicians, our leaders and representatives of the communities we serve. I view my role as empowering our workforce, building and maintaining trusted relationships, and helping our communities flourish,” said Dover.
Dover was born in California and spent half his life in rural locations such as Idaho, Illinois and Washington state. He and his wife, Maria, have been married 37 years. Together they are proud parents of one adult son, Patrick, and three adult daughters, Michelle, Christina and Kathryn. When not working, Dover enjoys spending time with his wife and family, participating in outdoor activities, and playing tennis.
