Steve Erixon, interim chief executive officer of Rainy Lake Medical Center has announced his resignation effective Thursday.
Erixon has accepted a CEO position at Lander Regional Hospital in Lander, Wyo. Erixon’s interim term at RLMC in International Falls had originally been established for one year, ending this past January, but the work led him to continue for 18 months, he told The Journal.
“I’ve enjoyed the people and the community tremendously,” Erixon said of his time in International Falls. Erixon came to the Falls from Branson, Mo. “I’m thankful for all the people’s support and for giving me the opportunity to come work in their community.”
The medical center’s chairman of the board of trustees, Charles Helleloid, said he accepted Erixon’s resignation “with deep regret.”
“Steve has accomplished a great deal to position us for continued success at Rainy Lake Medical Center,” Helleloid said in a release to RLMC employees. “The board of trustees has been actively involved in monitoring this progress and remains committed to the path that Steve has established during his tenure with RLMC.”
A replacement for Erixon or a permanent CEO has not yet been found, according to the release.
“The board of trustees will especially need your support going forward as they consider how best to lead RLMC in the face of substantial changes that awaits all in health care,” Helleloid said to employees, referring to the upcoming regulations possible through the federal Affordable Care Act. “Be assured that the board of trustees is committed to a thoughtful and extensive process to prepare us for future success.”
Erixon’s work as interim CEO includes stabilizing campus operations at the hospital and clinic campuses, and improved earnings for RLMC, according to Helleloid. He also reorganized and increased emphasis on quality and compliance, Helleloid said.
“We’ve continued to grow the organization and make plans to look to the future in terms of having a great leadership base,” Erixon told The Journal. “Of course that always takes time.”
Part of his work included getting the medical center ready to have an ongoing discussion with Duluth-based Essentia Health, he said. In July 2009, Rainy Lake Medical Center and Falls Memorial Hospital were merged into one RLMC system to partner with Essentia Health.
Erixon has had more than 30 years of health care experience, and has a master of health administration degree from Duke University. He is board certified in health care management and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He has served as CEO of clinics and hospitals in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas.
With the start of his new position, Erixon is looking forward to being closer to his Missouri home and his wife, he said.
“It’s always tough living so far away from home,” Erixon said. “But I had come to consider (the Falls) my home.”
Erixon will begin his new position in Wyoming June 4.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Steve’s caliber and experience and expertise leading Lander Regional Hospital into the future, said Don Bivacca, president of the National Division of LifePoint Hospitals, of which Lander is a part. “He has a proven track record of success in driving quality improvement, building strong relationships with physicians and staff, expanding service lines, and growing market share.”
