Baudette, MN – After 8 and a half years at the helm of CHI LakeWood Health and a remarkable 41-year career in healthcare administration, Jeffry Stampohar is stepping down as President, embarking on a well-deserved retirement. Stampohar reflected on his tenure, celebrated significant achievements, and expressed full confidence in incoming interim president Carrie Claybundy.
For Stampohar, the greatest reward of his role has been the daily opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues, tirelessly striving for improvement. “My favorite memories revolve around coming to work every day and collaborating to enhance patient satisfaction, employee satisfaction, quality of care, and financial stability,” he shared. He emphasized the “outstanding little things” that contribute to these successes and the profound satisfaction of celebrating the improvements made over recent years.
Among his proudest accomplishments, Stampohar highlights the transformation of staffing stability, a challenge that once plagued the organization. “Coming into an organization where we had difficulty retaining clinic, ER, and hospitalist staff to where we are today – with a stable clinic staff, and a schedule for ER and Hospitalist that goes out at least three months, is a huge achievement,” he stated. This turnaround, he believes, is a testament to the positive culture fostered at CHI LakeWood Health, making it a desirable place to work and stay. This stabilization of medical staff, he added, was a major need and request from the community.
Stampohar also firmly believes in the positive impact of integrating CHI and Dignity Health into CommonSpirit, a structure he feels continually improves their daily operations. He credits the current structure, which includes 14 critical access hospitals within one market, and the unwavering leadership and support from that team for the significant advancement of healthcare opportunities. “From facility facelifts to hiring physicians and implementing new services, the ability to lean on that network’s support has been invaluable,” he explained, noting that their plans were consistently met with a resounding “go for it.”
While retirement signifies a new chapter, Stampohar’s passion for family, spending time with grandkids, David and Reed, and the outdoors will take center stage. His plans include indulging in his love for fishing and hunting, and enjoying a newly-completed cabin on an island in Canada.
Looking to the future of CHI LakeWood Health, Stampohar expressed immense confidence in the organization’s trajectory. “Leaving this organization, I believe there is a lot of opportunity to develop new services and new providers that can improve the healthcare quality for our community moving into the future,” he affirmed. He also took a moment to reflect on the numerous “small, impactful projects and services provided,” finding great reward in their collective positive influence.
In a powerful endorsement, Stampohar threw his full support behind Carrie Claybundy, who will be stepping into the interim President role. He lauded her capabilities and the strength of the current Senior Leadership Team. “I have complete confidence in Carrie coming in as Interim President, along with the support of our current Senior Leadership Team,” he emphasized. “They have a strategic plan with everyone focusing in the same direction, moving the organization into the future and continually helping the community.”
As Jeffry Stampohar closes this chapter of his distinguished career, he leaves behind a legacy of dedicated leadership and a profoundly positive impact on the health and well-being of the community served by CHI LakeWood Health. His commitment to quality, patient care, and a supportive work environment has laid a strong foundation for continued growth and success.
