Bill Gassen, JD, president and chief executive officer of Sanford Health, will deliver the second annual Hospital and Health Systems Leadership Lecture on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. in Callaghan Auditorium (N110 CPHB). The event is free and open to the public. The lecture is also available to view as a webinar at this link.

The title of Gassen’s talk is “Shaping the Future of Rural Health Care: Advancing Access, Innovation, and Sustainability.” He will join a moderator from the University of Iowa College of Public Health for a fireside chat exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping hospitals and health systems today, with a particular focus on rural health care. Drawing on Sanford Health’s experience as the nation’s largest rural health system, Gassen will discuss the evolving needs of rural communities; the importance of access, quality, and affordability; and the role of innovation and digital transformation in strengthening care delivery and building resiliency.

Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Health has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers, and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties, and more than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education. Sanford Health also includes 92 retail pharmacies, including Sanford and Lewis Drug pharmacies with locations in 6 states, and more than 300 pharmacists.

Since taking on the role of president and CEO in 2020, Gassen has been dedicated to improving quality, sustainability, and access to care for patients across the upper Midwest. In 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, he was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.

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 is a former litigator and current member of the State Bar of South Dakota. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a law degree, both from the University of South Dakota. He previously served in a number of leadership roles for Sanford Health over a twelve-year period, including chief administrative officer, corporate counsel, and chief human resources officer.

He serves on the Board of Directors for Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE: OSCR), 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.

The Hospital and Health Systems Leadership Lecture series was created through the generosity of alumni and supporters of the UI College of Public Health. The series honors the vital role of hospitals and health systems in protecting and improving population health.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the College of Public Health in advance at 319-384-1500.