Sanford Health President and CEO Recognized as One of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2025

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 -- 11:00 AM

Sanford Health President and CEO Bill Gassen has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2025.

This marks four consecutive years Gassen has been named to this significant list. Prominent leaders joining Gassen include: Wright Lassiter III, CEO of CommonSpirit Health, Mark Cuban, co-founder, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co., Rick Pollack, president and CEO, American Hospital Association, Judy Faulkner, founder and CEO, Epic, Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO, OpenAI, Eugene Woods, CEO, Advocate Health and Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, president and CEO, Mayo Clinic.

The selection and ranking of the 100 Most Influential People was determined by the senior editors of Modern Healthcare. This year’s honorees have worked to enact transformation within their organizations while driving change on a local, state and national level.

And at a time when health care organizations face unprecedented tumult, they have worked to invest responsibly and set up their companies and those they serve for long-term success.

“Influence in healthcare can take many forms, as exemplified by our 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare.

“This year’s honorees preside over sprawling systems serving patients through dozens of hospitals, lead insurance company connecting millions of members with benefits, pull strings on Capitol Hill through advocacy efforts and develop tools shaping the future of care.”

Gassen, ranked No. 28 on the list, has led Sanford Health since 2020. The organization serves more than two million patients across the upper Midwest, operating 57 hospitals and 147 senior care communities.

In 2025, Gassen led Sanford Health through mergers with Wisconsin-based Marshfield Clinic Health System and Watertown, South Dakota-based Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.

This year Sanford Health also announced its expanded partnership with Lewis Drug, a family-owned pharmacy and retail store chain with 60 locations throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.

In December, Sanford Health announced another landmark $300 million gift from Denny Sanford to help build a medical campus in Rapid City. Late last year, Sanford opened its $40 million virtual care center; the health system now offers virtual care options across 78 specialties, vital for a provider that serves a large number of rural patients.

“Being recognized alongside so many visionary leaders in health care is truly humbling,” said Gassen. “This honor reflects the extraordinary work of our entire Sanford Health team and their unwavering dedication to reimagining what is possible for patients and communities."

"I am especially proud of how we are advancing access to exceptional care in rural America and shaping a future where every person, no matter where they live, can count on world-class health care close to home.”

In 2025, Gassen was elected as chair-elect designate of the American Hospital Association (AHA) Board of Trustees. In 2027, he will serve as chair of the AHA Board, the top-elected official of the national organization that represents America’s hospitals and health systems and works to advance health care across the country.

Gassen has served on the AHA Board of Trustees since 2024. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Oscar Health, Inc., the Board of Directors for Medical Alley and the Board of Directors for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Gassen also serves as chair of the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare. Prior to being appointed president and CEO in 2020, Gassen previously held several leadership positions at Sanford Health, including chief administrative officer, corporate counsel and chief human resources officer.

(Photo courtesy Sanford Health via press release)

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