David Flicek will oversee the operations of the network's clinics, hospitals, long-term care centers, and Avera@Home.
Avera Health, a regional health system headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, announced the organization's next COO in a press release last week.
David Flicek will serve as COO of Avera, leading integrated operations for the network's clinics, hospitals, long-term care centers, as well as its home healthcare and hospice company Avera@Home, which serves patients in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
"Avera's health ministry has seen significant growth in recent years," Bob Sutton, president and CEO of Avera, said in a statement. "Under David's leadership, Avera has added a new specialty hospital, expanded our behavioral health services, added two family health centers with free-standing emergency departments, extended our Avera Cancer Institute into our regions and replaced several critical access hospitals for our rural communities."
Flicek will officially assume the role of chief operating officer in October, and he will continue in his current role as chief administration officer for Avera Medical Group to ensure a smooth transition. He will also relinquish his title as president and CEO of the health system's flagship hospital, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center. A national search for his replacement is planned for the near future.
Flicek's accomplishments during his 27-year tenure at Avera include being named the 15th top administrator in Avera McKennan's 110-year history, assisting in the development of the Avera Academy, and being a founding member of The Link Triage Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
He led the system's growth initiatives, provided care during the tornados of September 2019, and navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his efforts, the system has developed and expanded numerous partnerships with community clinic groups, as well as city, county, and community hospitals.
"Avera has always been an organization with a strong mission and culture that matches my values. I am proud to have spent 27 years here and to now serve Avera in this expanded role," Flicek said in a statement. "My priorities will include advancing our mission, clinical excellence, physician and employee management, patient satisfaction, and operational improvement. Avera is such a mission-focused and innovative system that I would encourage anyone looking to be part of something larger than themselves to consider joining our team."
“My priorities will include advancing our mission, clinical excellence, physician and employee management, patient satisfaction, and operational improvement. Avera is such a mission-focused and innovative system that I would encourage anyone looking to be part of something larger than themselves to consider joining our team.”
David Flicek, chief administration officer, Avera Medical Group
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Flicek will officially begin his new role in October, and will continue his duties as chief administration officer to help with the transition.
Avera Health has seen a great deal of growth under Flicek's leadership, including the expansion of its behavioral health services and two family health centers.