APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – ThedaCare’s president and CEO has announced plans to retire while the hospital continues to explore ways to consolidate two locations into one.
In a news release Tuesday, Dr. Dean Gruner plans to step down next summer when the company expects to have a successor in place.
“I thought long and hard about this decision, and I look forward to getting more involved in community building, volunteering and doing mission work. I also want to spend more time with my wife Pam, family and friends – especially my three adorable grandchildren,” the 62-year-old Gruner said. “This is a new era of healthcare and I am proud that ThedaCare has a strong leadership team in place to continue our journey.”
Gruner began his career with ThedaCare or one of its affiliates since the company was founded as Novus Health Group in 1987. Before becoming CEO, Gruner was chief medical officer of both ThedaCare and the former Touchpoint Health Plan, which was sold to United Healthcare in 2004.
In 2003, Gruner became senior vice president for ThedaCare Physicians. Gruner was a found physician of Touchpoint and was a practicing family physician with Family Doctors, S.C., which affiliated with ThedaCare in 1994.
Since becoming CEO, ThedaCare has grown into the area’s largest health care provider, with 7,000 employees, seven hospitals and 34 clinics, among other services.
The company has hired a national search firm to look for Gruner’s replacement. The ThedaCare Board of Trustees has also formed a search committee. It’s expected to take six to nine months.
This retirement announcement does not affect the potential new hospital.
“The Board, system leadership team, physicians and nurses are firmly committed and will continue the work while engaging our providers, business leaders, and ThedaCare team members in discussions about the future of health care in Northeast Wisconsin,” Gruner said.
