Former Congresswoman, Trump VA secretary newest members of Sanford's Board of Trustees

South Dakota-based health system appoints Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and former U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary David J. Shulkin

Sanford Health announced Wednesday the election of Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and former Veterans Affairs Secretary David J. Shulkin as new members of its Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees consists of 11 members who guide Sanford Health's mission and help oversee its strategic direction and financial performance.

Herseth Sandlin, who has served as president of Augustana University since 2017, expressed enthusiasm for joining the Board of Trustees.

“I have always been inspired by their vision, strategic execution, and deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and community,” Herseth Sandlin said. “It is an honor to now serve alongside distinguished community and industry leaders as a member of the Sanford Health Board of Trustees to further advance their mission to transform the healthcare experience and bring world-class health care to communities near and far.”

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Herseth Sandlin's career also includes serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, and later holding various leadership roles in the private sector.

Shulkin, a clinician by trade with extensive health care experience, served in various capacities at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2015 to 2018, ultimately serving as the cabinet secretary to the department during the Trump administration. He has held a number of executive leadership positions at other health care institutions.

Specifically, Shulkin's prior relationship with Sanford Health includes serving as a strategic advisor in clinical innovation and veterans and military affairs.

“I was first introduced to Sanford Health while serving in Washington, and their vision to drive innovation and constantly seek new ways to improve the lives of their patients was overwhelmingly clear,” Shulkin said. “Sanford’s commitment to veterans and their families matches my passion for our nation’s heroes.”

Military Times ranked Sanford as the best healthcare employer in the nation, and the health system is rated on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers of Veterans.

Both will officially begin their terms on the board starting Jan. 1.