Brookings Health System's Board of Trustees Selects New CEO

  • October 31, 2011

Jason Merkley
Jason Merkley

Brookings Health System's Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Jones announces that Jason R. Merkley has been appointed as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer. He will assume his duties Dec. 5.

Merkley currently resides in Mitchell where he has worked for the past nine years as the Vice President of Professional Services at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Prior to that appointment, Merkley worked for five years at Avera Health in Sioux Falls as the manager of managed care services and a managed care analyst.

"Jason Merkley will be an excellent addition to Brookings Health System's team," said Board of Trustees Chair Rob Jones. "His experience leading both clinical and ancillary support departments and overseeing multiple construction projects will be a great asset to our organization and community."

Merkley holds a bachelor's degree in Business and Health Services Administration from Augustana College and a master's degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Kansas.

In addition to his professional experience, Merkley is very involved in the community, serving on the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement boards. He also is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and belongs to the South Dakota Healthcare Executive Group.

Kevin Coffey, Chief Financial Officer at Brookings Health System, was asked by the board to assume responsibilities as interim CEO when former CEO Roger Oberg resigned in October 2010. Jones said he appreciates Coffey's leadership and guidance this past year, noting Coffey kept Brookings Health System moving forward in all areas of the organization during his tenure as interim CEO.

The CEO search process started in early 2011. Al Baker, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees, chaired the search committee. Other community members on the search committee included Teresa McKnight, Van Fishback, Dan Little, Carla Gatzke, Justin Sell, Merritt Warren and September Bessler.

About Brookings Health System
Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed Brookview Manor nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates apartments. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock medical-nursing care for patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.