Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics Chief Executive Officer Named
Mary Ellen Wells, a seasoned health care executive with 40 years of experience serving in leadership positions across a wide array of hospital and health systems, has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics effective March 19, 2024.
Wells, who has served as the interim CEO since Oct. 1, 2023, was selected by the search committee made up of Meeker Memorial Governing Board members and CentraCare executive leadership. She was formally recommended and then voted on by the County Administrator and Board of Commissioners.
“Mary Ellen brings proven experience, expertise, and dedicated knowledge to this role,” said Beth Oberg, Board Chair. “We look forward to continuing to work with her to move our plans forward to enhance how we care for our region.”
Wells has served as a senior executive and CEO of several independent and affiliated hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities within Allina Health, CentraCare, and the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic. She also served as the program director, dyad leader and senior lecturer for the University of Minnesota’s Master’s in Healthcare Administration Program and remains involved as an alumni volunteer and adjunct faculty. Wells has a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in education and counseling from the University of Michigan.
“Mary Ellen is an innovative, driven leader who is known for her collaborative approach to achieving business objectives,” said Bryan Lydick, CentraCare Executive Director, Rural Health Southwest Division. “CentraCare and Meeker Memorial share a unique and special commitment to rural health care and are jointly dedicated to enhancing and growing high-quality health care close to home.”
Wells lives in Annandale with her husband, Bill Arendt. She enjoys many outdoor activities and spending time with family. She is very involved in community and educational volunteer efforts, including serving on several boards and foundations that support non-profit agencies.
“I am excited and honored to take the ‘interim’ off my title,” said Wells. “Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics is a wonderful organization with a rich history and a strong commitment to its people, its community and to providing the best health care possible to this region. I look forward to building on the strong foundation as we continue to evolve to support the needs of our communities.”
About Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics
Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics (MMH&C) is a county-owned health care facility providing high-quality health care services to the residents of the Meeker County area. MMH&C includes a 25-bed hospital and two clinic locations in Litchfield and Dassel. Meeker Memorial provides access to state-of-the-art health care accompanied by personalized care close to home. Learn more at meekermemorial.org.