Board of Directors

Lonnie Laffen

Lonnie Laffen | Chair - In Memoriam

President | JLG Architects

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lonnie Laffen on December 23, 2020. Lonnie was a passionate leader, philanthropist and community advocate. His contributions to Altru were abundant. His contributions to his community are immeasurable. Lonnie’s obituary and funeral arrangements can be found here.

"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:

  • Former 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
Kris Compton

Kris Compton | Vice Chair

Retired Chief Strategy Officer | 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
Dan Roline

Dan C. Roline | Secretary

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.”

Laura Block

Laura Block

Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, Chief Financial and Operating Officer at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences

“The quality and local offering of healthcare is integral to the vitality of our community. I care deeply about both. I look forward to serving and supporting Altru’s mission and vision which is aspirational and inspirational.”

Community Involvement:

  • Advisory Member of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation
Eric Halverson

Eric Halverson

Chief Executive Officer, Black Gold Farms

“Improving health and enriching life is a worthy mission to be part of. It is a critical component to maintaining a vibrant, welcoming, and engaged community. This region is second to none, and the local health care system is an enormous contributing factor. As a board, we have the responsibility to ensure Altru continually achieves this mission in the face of current and future challenges."

Community Involvement:

  • Northern Plains Potato Growers Association Board of Directors
  • Advisory Member of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation
William McKinnon

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)

Dave Molmen

Dave Molmen

Chief Executive Officer | Altru Health System

“Having spent more than a decade as CEO at Altru, advocating for our patients and employees, I understand the healthcare needs of our region. Maintaining a non-profit, local healthcare system in order to pave the way forward will be critical for our communities. I look forward to supporting Altru in providing world-class care to Northeastern North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota."

Community Involvement:

  • Former Chair of the North Dakota Hospital Association
  • Chair of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences Advisory Council
  • Chair of the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce

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 the Minnesota Hospital Association
  • North Region Health Alliance Member
Karen Thingelstad

Karen Thingelstad

Retired Vice President & CFO at Minnkota Power Cooperative

“I have lived in Grand Forks since 1989 and love it here. I so firmly believe that to be a vibrant community we need to have access to great healthcare. That is just what Altru has provided and will continue to provide, even through trying times. Having the ability to make our decisions locally is of the utmost importance. Our community is also bolstered by the jobs provided by Altru and the economic impact that it brings to our community. I am honored to begin my service on the board and look forward to giving back to both Altru and the community.”

Community Involvement:

  • Altru Health Foundation Board
  • UND Nistler College of Business and Public Administration Advisory Council
  • UND Alumni and Foundation Board
  • UND Center of Innovation Student-Led Enterprises Board
  • Sharon Lutheran Church Ringers of Faith Bell Choir
Jody Treller

Jody Treuer, MD

Radiology, Diagnostic | Altru Health System

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Altru Health System Board of Directors. My family and I have enjoyed living in this community for over 18 years and I hope to use my experiences and appreciation to ensure that Altru and the people we serve continue to thrive."

Community Involvement:

  • 10 + year history of volunteer work with Women’s Pregnancy Center
  • Served on the admission committee for the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Steven Weiser

Steven Weiser, MD

President | Altru Health System

Dr. Steven Weiser serves as Altru's President.