Welcome Deanna!

It is with great enthusiasm to announce that Deanna Larson, current interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) and former CHS Board Member, will be staying on in the COO role. Deanna is making a very positive impact and is well qualified to continue to drive our operational initiatives. She is especially qualified in using digital resources and technology to create efficiencies and improve service to those we serve.

According to Deanna, “I am very engaged with the organization, and I see opportunities to make CHS an even more responsive and effective provider, as well as a national leader in providing therapeutic care for the families we serve as we help them transition and be successful in society. I am loving my time learning more about the diversified and important work of the organization and engaging with team members.”

Deanna has been instrumental in implementing after hours, weekend and on-call pay differentials to improve employee satisfaction and retention. She has expanded our nursing staff to allow for coverage seven days a week and oversees this team across the state. Deanna is working closely with each program to elevate processes, structure and technology and leads our engagement with Sage Consulting.

Having Deanna stay on will also give us time to determine the leadership and operational structure as we plan and prepare for future needs. Thanks to all for making her feel so welcome!

About Deanna:

Deanna Larson is a senior executive with over 30 years of experience in a variety of health care roles. A nurse by profession, Deanna held multiple leadership roles at Mayo and at Avera in the areas of behavioral health, acute care, critical care, home care and spent over 15 years as the Vice President of Quality & Innovation for the Avera system.

In 2006 Deanna led Avera’s eCare platform, which is now one of the world’s most extensive telemedicine networks of its kind. She was named Woman of the Year by the American Telemedicine Association for exceptional character and leadership, and subsequently served on their Board of Directors as well as on the Presentation College Board. Deanna is a former examiner for the prestigious Malcom Baldrige National Quality Award.

Deanna and her husband Dan have three grown children and six grandchildren.