Board of Directors

Kris Compton

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

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

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

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

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