Olson "going home" to lead Gundersen Tri-County

An experienced Gundersen Health System leader with a passion for rural healthcare is the new chief executive officer of Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics.

Joni Olson, RTR (M), BA, is coming back to her roots at Gundersen Tri-County. She was manager of Radiology from 1978 to 1999 at what was then Tri-County Memorial Hospital in Whitehall before becoming manager of Regional Radiology for Gundersen.

Olson was most recently administrative director for Gundersen Imaging. She has also served as manager for the Norma J. Vinger Center for Breast Care and manager of Gundersen Radiology. Olson begins her CEO work April 1.

"Joni has shown dedication to our patients and staff in all her roles," says Kathy Klock, RN, Gundersen senior vice president, Human Resources and Clinical Support Services. "She will lead Gundersen Tri-County and the wonderful communities we serve with great fidelity. She carries the work and relationships Brian Theiler developed, and we are proud and excited for Joni."

Theiler retired in 2016 after nine years as Gundersen Tri-County CEO and more than 30 years with Gundersen. Frank Perez-Guerra, executive director, Gundersen Employee and Labor Relations, provided interim leadership at Gundersen Tri-County during the CEO search.

Born and raised in Trempealeau County and a 40-year resident of rural Blair, Olson is excited to be “going home.”

"It’s an honor to be able to come full circle, beginning in patient care at Tri-County Memorial and now to a role where I can serve those who provide patient care," she says.

Equally important to Olson are the people and communities in and around Trempealeau County.

"Gundersen Tri-County is set up well to address the opportunities and challenges of rural healthcare because of our community partnerships. We have great people here, and as rural healthcare evolves we have a great environment, great providers and exceptional services to give patients the care they need close to home."