(FOND DU LAC) A longtime SSM Health leader in south-central Wisconsin is retiring after four decades in health care.
DeAnn Thurmer, president of SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, plans to retire July 1 after a 40-year career with the organization.
Thurmer began working at Waupun Memorial Hospital in 1985 and moved into executive leadership in the mid-1990s. During her career, she helped oversee hospital operations in Baraboo, Ripon and Waupun while leading efforts focused on patient care, clinical quality and staff support.
SSM Health officials credited Thurmer with helping strengthen local hospitals and building a mission-driven workplace culture. Thurmer also received the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to nursing and clinical excellence.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve our patients, caregivers and communities,” Thurmer said in a statement.
SSM Health also announced Nicole Gill will become the new administrator for SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital.
Gill has worked within the SSM Health system for more than 20 years, beginning in diabetes services before moving into nursing and hospital leadership roles. Most recently, she has overseen nursing operations at multiple hospitals within the organization.
Gill said she hopes to continue building on the foundation Thurmer created during her career.
As part of Waupun Memorial Hospital’s 75th anniversary celebration, SSM Health plans to host a public open house June 28 at the hospital. The event will include refreshments, historical displays and the unveiling of a new donor wall.
