Board Upheaval At Mahaska Health In Wake Of CEO Resignation/Reinstatement

Oskaloosa, Iowa – A press release from Mahaska Health on October 7th, 2021, indicated that Kevin DeRonde, CEO of Mahaska Health, had resigned from his position.

Thursday, October 14th, an agenda was posted for the hospital board for Friday, October 15th, at noon.

That single action item stated, “Revote to Reinstate Kevin DeRonde as the CEO VOTE REQUIRED or to Accept His Resignation.”

On Thursday afternoon, three members of the board from Mahaska Health submitted their resignations.

Margaret Ratcliff, in her resignation letter, stated, “The last few weeks have been filled with many hours of extremely difficult conversations, board meetings, and time spent with providers and staff. There is one thing I know: every single board member is doing what we think is best for the hospital and the community that we serve.”

“As a board, we have a fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of this County to ensure this hospital is operated efficiently and public funds are spent appropriately. That is a responsibility that I take very seriously. Our decision to accept the CEO’s resignation was based on information reflecting a trend that is not in the best interest or the long-term viability of MHP,” added Ratcliff.

Jim Hansen, in his resignation letter, said, “There has been a consistent change occurring at the hospital. Lives of team members have been upended: jobs have been given and taken away, people have been shifted to roles they have no ability or training to handle, exec team members are walking on eggshells not knowing what will happen next and financial stability is not certain.”

“I want you to know that what has transpired over the last several months was not ok and I have therefore reached the difficult decision to resign from this Board effective today,” added Hansen.

Amy McGriff, in her resignation letter, said, “These past few weeks, however, have uncovered disturbing abuses in this organization. Lives of team members and families that have been upended as jobs have been taken away with no cause. I have seen roles given to staff members with no ability or training to handle their assignments, creation of questionable positions and benefits and salaries, which appear to be out of bounds and indicate the potential mismanagement of public funds, I find these actions to be inappropriate and against all my personal beliefs. Considering this unethical climate, I have a fiduciary duty to call out that which is inappropriate and that which could be potentially devastating to our county hospital.”

Included with all three resignations was a note to their fellow board members.

“To my fellow Board Members, I would counsel you to:
Be good and responsible stewards of tax dollars and not spend frivolously or waste tax money.”

“Protect the hospital from litigation in matters within your purview and listen to and take the advice of your attorney.”

“But perhaps most importantly: Always bear in mind we are a public hospital and a Equal Opportunity Employer, therefore all employees no matter what their age, gender, race or religion should be treated fairly and procedures and policies followed.”

The board members of Mahaska Health met in session on Friday morning, where they accepted the resignation of the three board members, Jim Hansen, Margaret Ratcliff, and Amy McGriff.

Board member Greg Gordy then made a motion to reinstate Kevin DeRonde as the CEO of Mahaska Health immediately.

An official start date for DeRonde, if he accepts, has yet to be set.

Board President David Langkamp shared a statement, “The hospital has seen dramatic financial and clinical turnarounds with a patient-centered focus. We have one of the most diverse medical teams for a critical access hospital in Iowa. Mahaska Health ended the Fiscal Year 2021 with a profit, enabling us to continue working with Mahaska Health providers, employees, and the community, ensuring a solid and stable future with continued growth and advanced care in the region.”

Amber Coffey, in that same statement, shared, “It is our mission to help you and your family, and we will continue to provide comprehensive healthcare with kindness and compassion, and we remain dedicated to serving our patients and community.”

Dr. Shawn Richmond with Mahaska Health shared the following statement after the news of DeRonde’s reinstatement. “Providing a mission and vision for the community, patients, and care teams here at Mahaska Health with a legacy of excellent care is of utmost importance and priority. We are happy Kevin has decided to continue with his leadership here.”

A petition supporting DeRonde was presented to the board as the meeting got underway. It stated, “Together, as Mahaska Health, we would like to express our full support for the board’s reconsideration of reappointment of Kevin DeRonde as CEO for Mahaska Health.

Approximately 105 signatures were on that petition when presented, and the board expressed they had fielded many emails and phone calls of support for DeRonde.