Dr. Dean Gruner, president and CEO of ThedaCare since April 2008, announced Tuesday that he plans to retire next year.
Gruner, 62, of Appleton, began his career in health care 40 years ago.
“I thought long and hard about this decision, and I look forward to getting more involved in community building, volunteering and doing mission work,” Gruner said. “I also want to spend more time with my wife, Pam, family and friends – especially my three adorable grandchildren.”
Under Gruner’s direction, ThedaCare became the largest health care provider in Northeast Wisconsin and the largest locally based employer, with 7,000 employees, seven hospitals — including ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, 34 clinics and other health care services covering nine counties.
“Dr. Gruner has been committed to improving the health care of the communities we serve, and the board appreciates his dedication and devotion to our mission,” said John Davis, chairman of ThedaCare board of trustees.
A national executive search firm has been hired to look for internal and external candidates, and a board search committee has been formed, Davis said. The selection process is anticipated to take six to nine months, with a transition to the new president and CEO expected to happen next summer.
“I plan to stay involved 100 percent active and committed and sprint through the finish line – when the board hires a successor,” Gruner said.
A native of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Gruner was the first member of his family, including siblings and cousins, to graduate from college. He received his undergraduate degree in chemistry and psychology from St. Olaf College in Minnesota, and his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School.
He completed his residency in family practice at St. Michael Hospital in Milwaukee. He earned a master’s degree in medical management from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans in 2001.
“This is a new era of health care, and I am proud that ThedaCare has a strong leadership team in place to continue our journey,” Gruner said.