Dr. Herman, CEO of Essentia Health, has a deep-rooted passion for rural healthcare, which he has harnessed to reshape healthcare delivery across Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota. He championed a shift from fee-for-service to a value-based care model, emphasizing wellness, prevention and chronic disease management. This transition has resulted in exceptional outcomes, including $100 million in healthcare cost reductions between 2018 and 2022 while maintaining high quality, with three Essentia hospitals earning 5-star ratings from the CMS. Nationally recognized for his expertise, Dr. Herman was invited to testify before a U.S. Senate subcommittee on advancing value-based care in rural settings. He serves as chair-elect of the Minnesota Hospital Association board of trustees and holds leadership roles with the American Hospital Association and American Academy of Ophthalmology. A dedicated advocate for education and community service, he also sits on the boards of The College of St. Scholastica and Ronald McDonald House Charities and was appointed to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s task force on academic health.
