Bryan Slaba, formerly the Chief Financial Officer for Wagner Community Memorial Hospital/Avera, has been named Chief Executive Officer. Slaba, who had been CFO for WCMH for the past months, will replace Connie Wagner who is stepping down after two years in Wagner.

"It's been a great two years in Wagner and I've served the people of the community and region well during my tenure," Wagner said. "I am confident Bryan will do a fantastic job in overseeing the growth and continued quality and excellence in health care that Wagner Community Memorial Hospital/Avera has been providing the region for years."

During the past seven months at WCMH, Slaba has overseen the financial operations of the hospital and has been integral in the hospital's strategic planning process and implementation of that strategic plan.

"This should be a seamless transition for Wagner," said Doug Ekeren, Vice President of Planning and Development for Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. "Bryan and Connie have worked together over the past year and have the hospital headed in a direction that will continue to fulfill the mission of providing quality health care to the Wagner region. Bryan's experience co-chairing the Campus Master Plan and Building Task Force was instrumental in the program's current success."

Ekeren expressed appreciation for Connie Wagner's efforts during her tenure as CEO at WCMH.

"Connie did a great job for WCMH," he said. "Her talents and enthusiasm will be missed. I'm looking forward to working with Bryan in the future and, quite honestly, don't expect any problems in the transition. Connie will continue to offer her experience during this transitional phase."

Ekeren said Connie will continue to assist WCMH with select projects.

Patients will not notice any changes at all in the quality care they've come to expect at the facility, according to Slaba. "It's business as usual - we are looking forward to meeting your family's health care needs the same as we always have. We have great staff, great physicians and great clinicians."