Altru Selects Todd Forkel as New Chief Executive Officer

Grand Forks, N.D. - Altru Health System announced today that Todd Forkel has been selected as Altru’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective February 28, 2022.

“On behalf of Altru’s CEO search committee, we are thrilled to have Todd joining our leadership team,” shared Karen Thingelstad, Chair of Altru’s Board of Directors. “His experience and leadership style make him the perfect leader for Altru. He is a humble servant leader and a visionary who will lead Altru’s path to growth and innovation for generations to come.”

Forkel brings over 24 years of leadership experience in healthcare, most recently serving on Avera’s executive team as the Regional President and CEO of Avera St. Luke’s and CEO of Avera St. Mary’s Region since 2011. In this role, he has managed two regions of a regional faith-based, nonprofit health system in South Dakota comprised of six hospitals, multiple clinics and physician groups. He also serves as the executive lead for several system-wide initiatives, including lean initiatives, implementation of evidence-based leadership practices, support of veterans, as well as the lead of several service lines, including orthopedics, radiology and the hospitalists.

“I am excited and honored to be named as Altru Health System’s next CEO,” shared Forkel. “Altru’s stated vision is to deliver world-class care for those we serve. That level of commitment and high standard inspires me. I cannot wait to journey with the 3,600 Altru teammates in the continuation of making that dream a reality.”

Forkel earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Mary School of Business, a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Cal Coast University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern State University and an Associate of Science in Radiology Sciences from Presentation College. Prior to his most recent role with Avera, he served in leadership roles with Essentia Health, Innovis Health and Mayo Clinic.

“My family and I love everything about Altru Health System, as an organization, and the vibrancy of the Greater Grand Forks community,” said Forkel. “We are excited to become part of the team and community in the near future.”