Uniting Healthcare: Bill Gassen's Journey to Influence

Notable Leaders in Healthcare

Bill Gassen is not alone in this esteemed group. Prominent leaders such as Wright Lassiter III, the CEO of CommonSpirit Health; Mark Cuban, the co-founder of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co.; Rick Pollack, the president and CEO of the American Hospital Association; Trent Green, the CEO of Amazon One Medical; Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra; Dr. Karen DeSalvo, the chief health officer of Google; and Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, the president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic, have also joined him. These leaders bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives to the healthcare arena.

The selection and ranking of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare were carefully determined by the senior editors of Modern Healthcare. This year's list honors those who have made significant contributions through their leadership and impact, shaping healthcare through policies, regulations, lobbying, and business decisions. Their influence extends from the doctor's office to Capitol Hill.

Gassen's Focus on Patient Care and Innovation

Ranked No. 32 on the list, Bill Gassen has led Sanford Health since 2020. With a presence across the upper Midwest, serving more than 1.4 million patients, Sanford Health operates 45 hospitals and over 130 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. In October, Sanford and Wisconsin-based Marshfield Clinic Health System announced a definitive agreement to merge, creating a 56-hospital organization under Gassen's leadership.

Throughout his tenure as the head of Sanford, Gassen has been dedicated to improving patient care outcomes. By adding value through its 200,000-member health plan and fostering innovation, he has been at the forefront of transforming healthcare. The system has also launched a $350 million initiative aimed at enhancing care for rural and underserved communities, making a significant impact in these areas.

Before being appointed president and CEO in 2020, Gassen held several leadership positions at Sanford Health, including chief administrative officer, corporate counsel, and chief human resources officer. His diverse experience has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to drive the organization forward.

"It is a great honor to be among these remarkable leaders, who are committed to making real change in the healthcare industry and improving the lives of patients," said Gassen. "Our team at Sanford Health is actively transforming how rural America accesses world-class care and delivering that care to the communities we serve."

Gassen's Role in Advocacy

Gassen serves on the Executive Committee of the American Hospital Association Board, playing a crucial role in advocating on behalf of Sanford Health's people, patients, and communities. His influence extends beyond the organization, as he is also recently appointed Chair of the Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare and serves on the Board of Oscar Health. These positions allow him to have a broader impact on the healthcare landscape.