Downtown Rotarian Recognized by South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations

Downtown Rotarian Bob Sutton was recognized last week at the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations' 97th annual convention. Sutton, who has been a Downtown Rotarian since 2018, received the Larry Veitz Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition was created to honor an individual for their exemplary service to healthcare and accomplishments in advancing the goals and purposes of the association.

In excerpt from SDAHO's website reads:

"A South Dakota native earning his Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Public Administration from USD. He spent 25 years in Pierre serving as an association executive and lobbyist for county government, the energy industry, and the financial services industry, in addition to president of the South Dakota community foundation for 10 years.

Bob’s accomplishments in the healthcare community include 10 years at Avera Health, five as the president and CEO. Under his leadership, Avera opened numerous building projects, completed renovations in communities across Avera’s 72,000-square mile footprint.

Some of those projects include the campuses in Gregory and Gettysburg including a new hospital, clinic and long-term care facilities, the Avera Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls and the opening of the Helmsley Center which brought radiation oncology to Pierre.

Bob’s vision has been instrumental in creating a culture of growth, accountability, collaboration and transparency.

Bob stepped down on August 4, 2023, to start care for a serious medical condition. The legacy he leaves behind stands tall for all who work for Avera, are served by Avera and the healthcare community."

Read more about the convention and those recognized here.