Ronald Place, MD, President & CEO, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

Dr. Place hails from South Dakota and graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Chemistry Degree, along with an ROTC commission. He then graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine. Dr. Place completed his General Surgery internship and residency training at Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC), Ft. Lewis WA, and fellowship training in Colon and Rectal Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.

Dr. Place was a full-time surgeon for the first half of his military career. After multiple deployments, he gradually transitioned to full time executive leadership, leading at every level with the military medical system. He completed his nearly 37 years of military service as the 3rd Director of the Defense Health Agency.

Dr. Place is board certified in both General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery and is now the 16th Regional President and CEO of Avera McKennan.