Dean Nancy Fahrenwald Appointed to Brookings Health System Board of Trustees
- January 23, 2017
Baker Leaves Board after Nine Years of Service
Dr. Nancy Fahrenwald, dean of the College of Nursing at SDSU, was recently appointed to Brookings Health System’s Board of Trustees.
Fahrenwald is a licensed health professional in the state of South Dakota who has practiced clinically and served as an educator, scientist and leader in nursing for more than three decades. She started at SDSU in 1995 as an instructor in the College of Nursing. She was named associate dean for nursing research in 2009 and was named dean of the College of Nursing in 2013.
"Quality, accessible, affordable health care is an essential resource in our community,” said Fahrenwald. “As a board member, I will work collaboratively with the health system administration and staff, board leaders, and community members to lead health initiatives that focus on keeping people healthy, making care available when needed, assuring that care is affordable and accessible, and meeting the diverse needs of the community we serve.”
Fahrenwald fills the city-appointed position formerly held by Al Baker, CFO at First Bank & Trust. Baker was appointed to the board of trustees in January 2008. He served as vice president in 2010 and 2011 and then served as president from January 2012 to January 2015.
Some of the major accomplishments at Brookings Health System that occurred during Baker’s nine years include doubling net revenue, significant increases in yearly operating income, and implementing the health system’s master campus plan which included remodeling the emergency department and laboratory; building The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home; and starting the expansion and renovation project at Brookings Hospital.
“We thank Al for his leadership and years of service to the board,” said CEO and President Jason Merkley. “His commitment to Brookings Health System and our community has improved health care in Brookings and the surrounding area.”
About Brookings Health System
Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes the 49-bed Brookings Hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, and medical clinics in Arlington, White and Volga, South Dakota. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock 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.