Appleton, Wis.-based ThedaCare President and CEO Dean Gruner, MD, plans to retire, ending his 40-year career in healthcare. The transition to a new president and CEO will likely happen in summer 2017.
Dr. Gruner has served at the helm of ThedaCare since 2008, prior to which he was senior vice president for ThedaCare Physicians. He also served as CMO of both ThedaCare and the former Touchpoint Health Plan, which was sold to United Healthcare in 2004.
During his tenure as CEO, ThedaCare participated in creating the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality and joining the Mayo Clinic Care Network, the first health system in Wisconsin to do so. Dr. Gruner was instrumental in creating the ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center and growing 18 specialty physician services.
Dr. Gruner earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis, and he completed his family practice residency at St. Michael Hospital in Milwaukee.
"I thought long and hard about this decision, and I look forward to getting more involved in community building, volunteering and doing mission work. I also want to spend more time with my wife Pam, family and friends — especially my three adorable grandchildren," said Dr. Gruner in a statement.
ThedaCare has hired a national executive search firm and formed a board search committee to name Dr. Gruner's successor.