Interim CEO appointed at Veterans Memorial Hospital while search for new leader begins

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) and Clinics welcome Garith Steiner as their new Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Steiner was appointed by the VMH Board of Trustees at a special meeting held July 8, to serve in this role as the search for a permanent CEO begins following the June 23 resignation of former VMH CEO Michael Coyle.

Steiner has a multitude of years of experience as a hospital CEO with a very successful history. He led the Vernon Memorial Healthcare team in Viroqua, WI for over 24 years as CEO, growing the facility and services. He assisted that facility in finding a qualified replacement prior to his retirement and will be assisting the Veterans Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees in this role as well.

This marks the third time that Steiner has been called out of retirement to assist facilities with his leadership skills. He helped the Gundersen Health System with outreach services with its affiliate critical access hospitals until he was asked to stand in as the Interim CEO at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien, WI. Following two years in that role, leading the organization and assisting in the recruitment of a new CEO, Steiner retired once again.

“Garith has agreed to help us in this transition and search for the next CEO of Veterans Memorial Hospital,” states Dennis Lyons, Board of Trustees Chairman. “He comes with impressive experience that will help guide us in the immediate future.”

“I have certainly been welcomed in such a professional and caring way. The staff are fantastic,” states Steiner about his initial experience at VMH. “I look forward to working with everyone to continue the great work and care being provided.”