Altru Welcomes New Board Member, Announces Board Leadership Transitions

Grand Forks, N.D. - Altru Health System is pleased to announce the appointment of Renard Bergstrom of Devils Lake to its Board of Directors, along with other board leadership transitions. 

Bergstrom joins Altru's volunteer Board of Directors, bringing a strong connection to the Devils Lake community. His appointment comes as Altru continues to strengthen its commitment to the Lake Region following the recent acquisition of Altru Hospital Devils Lake. 

"I am honored to join Altru's Board of Directors during such an exciting time for the organization," Bergstrom said. "The integration of Altru Hospital Devils Lake represents an important investment in the future of healthcare for our region, and I look forward to helping ensure the voices of the Devils Lake community are represented as we continue building a stronger, more connected health system." 

Bergstrom was born and raised in Devils Lake. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a degree in physics and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. A Distinguished Graduate of the F-16 Replacement Training Unit, Renard flew the F-16 both on active duty and with the North Dakota Air National Guard in Fargo. After his military service, Renard and his wife Candace returned to Devils Lake, where he is the owner of Devils Lake Cars, a multigenerational family business founded in 1923. 

In addition to welcoming Bergstrom, Altru announced leadership transitions within its Board of Directors. 

Eric Halverson has been elected board chair, succeeding Karen McLennan, whose term as chair has concluded. She will continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors. Tammy Peterson has been elected vice chair, and Andrew Sorbo will serve as board secretary. 

"Eric is a thoughtful, collaborative leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to Altru's mission and the communities we serve," said Dr. Josh Deere, President of Altru Health System. "I look forward to partnering with him as board chair as we continue building on our momentum and advancing high-quality healthcare throughout our region." 

Forkel also expressed his gratitude to McLennan for her years of leadership. 

"Karen has been an exceptional leader for Altru during one of the most transformative periods in our organization's history," said Todd Forkel, CEO. "Her steady guidance, unwavering commitment to our mission and passion for improving healthcare have helped shape the future of our health system. On behalf of our board, leadership team and the communities we serve, I want to sincerely thank Karen for her extraordinary dedication. We are grateful she will continue sharing her insight and experience as a valued member of our Board of Directors." 

Altru's Board of Directors is a volunteer board comprised of community members, two Altru physicians and Altru's president and CEO. The board provides strategic oversight and governance to support Altru's mission of making a difference for the communities it serves.