Board of Directors

Kris Compton | Chair

COO & Senior Manager | Alerus Financial

"I believe local healthcare is critical to the short and long-term success of a community. We are so fortunate to have the health care expertise and quality of care provided by Altru in our local communities. Altru's employees genuinely care about the well-being of their patients, and in many cases, are our friends and neighbors as well. My involvement on the Board of Altru is one small way I can "give back" and thank the team of employees at Altru for helping our communities lead healthy lives."

Community Involvement:

• UND Foundation Board of Directors
• UND Alumni Association Board of Directors Chairperson
• Minnesota Twins Community Fund Board of Directors – Chairperson

Lonnie Laffen | Vice Chair

President | JLG Architects

"I believe it is important for our community to have our health care decisions made locally. Local control means we can better target services to the specific and unique needs of our own community. I think this local control has led us to our connection with Mayo Clinic and the forming of Altru Wellness Village on our community’s south end. Altru is also a major engine in our community’s economy and I feel better knowing that we can control outcomes from right here in Grand Forks. Altru delivers some of the best care in the country. I am proud to be connected to them and have them here in my community."

Community Involvement:

• Senator - North Dakota District 43
• North Dakota Capitol Grounds Planning Commission
• North Dakota Lottery Commission
• North Dakota 20/20 and Beyond Steering Committee
• Grand Forks Special Assessment Commission

Philip Gisi | Secretary

Owner/President | Edgewood Management Group

"I advocate for Altru because it is a locally controlled organization and the primary leader for health care services in our community and region. Having a strong health care provider that is fully integrated and locally-owned and controlled is important to ensure we have quality health care services at a reasonable cost."

Community Involvement:

• UND Alumni Association Foundation
• UND College of Business and Public Administration Alumni Advisory Council

Brad Wehe

Chief Executive Officer | Altru Health System

“My desire to help others in need led me to a career in healthcare.”

Community Involvement:

• Board of Directors: North Regional Health Alliance, Mayo Physical Therapy Alumni Association, and Mayo School of Health Related Sciences
• American College of Healthcare Executives - Fellow (FACHE)
• University of Minnesota - Crookston - Health Management Advisory Board
• Mayville State University Foundation Board of Trustees Executive Committee
• United Lutheran Church Foundation Board of Directors

Keith Okeson

President/CEO | LifeCare Medical Center

"I look forward to the opportunity to bring a regional perspective to Altru’s board. As President and CEO of LifeCare Medical Center, a non-profit, independently-run critical access hospital in Roseau, Minn., I understand the needs of the communities in our region. Considering these communities in the future strategic direction will be important as Altru continues to grow. On a personal level, I worked at Altru for 11 years and know that it is a company made up of great people who truly care about their patients, team and communities. I am excited to help guide this great organization towards its vision of providing world-class care."

Community Involvement:

• Board of Directors of Minnesota Hospital Association
• North Region Health Alliance Member

Dan C. Roline

Vice Chair, Department of Provider Relations | Mayo Clinic

“High-quality healthcare is an asset that is frequently expected but seldom well understood by the communities we serve. I look forward to serving with this Board to sustain and live out the Altru commitment to quality care.” 

Community Involvement:

• Chatfield American Legion baseball scorekeeper
• Chatfield Public Schools, School Facilities Assessment and Referendum Task Force

William McKinnon, MD, FACEP

Emergency Medicine, Medical Director of Regional Operations | Altru Health System

"I am honored to serve on the Altru Health System Board of Directors. It is an opportunity to give back to Altru for all it has given me. As Medical Director of Regional Operations, I understand how important our commitment is to the regional communities we serve, and how critical that commitment is to our future growth and sustainability. I look forward to bringing this important perspective and experience to help guide the organization in the present rapidly changing and challenging healthcare environment." 

Community Involvement:

• Physician Coordinator for United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and area 
• Clinical Faculty | Clinical Assistant Professor - University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences 
• Chair of the Advisory Council for the Pembina County Memorial Hospital/CliniCare Clinic and Altru Health System affiliation in Cavalier, ND 
• Medical Director for five regional community ambulance services - Michigan, Lakota, McVille, Langdon and Munich, ND 
• Regional Medical Education (Team Teaching) for Critical Access Hospital Communities - American College of Surgeons | Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC)