MARSHALL– Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall announced updates to its governing board occurring with the start of the new fiscal year for the organization.

Two new members recently joined the board, including Karie Novak and Tom Lorang.

Novak is a physical therapist with Southwest West Central Service Cooperative providing therapy services for multiple school districts. She lives in Tyler and previously served as the rehab manager at Avera Tyler (then Tyler Healthcare Center). In all, she has 23 years of experience in the health care field giving her an understanding of the rewards and challenges of serving local health needs.

Lorang is a public juridic person and a system member for Avera Health. After working for several years in the education field as a teacher, principal, superintendent, college president and college instructor, Lorang now does consulting work in executive coaching and strategic initiatives.

In addition, he spent 10 years working as a counselor and psychotherapist. He has served on numerous boards including local and state education boards as well as church and youth organization boards.

“I am happy to welcome Karie and Tom to the board,” said Debbie Streier, regional president and CEO, Avera Marshall. “Their experiences and individual strengths will bring meaningful points of view. We are thankful for their willingness to serve on the board and their interest in enhancing health care for our region.”

Six members recently reached the end of their service on the board, including Steve Crim, Quentin Fixen, Greg Goepferich, Laurie Johansen, George Jorgensen, and Joyce Strootman.

Strootman served on the board since 2015, and Fixen since 2016. Johansen and Jorgensen joined the board in 2016 when Avera Tyler became an Avera-owned facility.

Crim joined the board in 2019 as an Avera system representative, and Goepferich was a member of the board since 2021.

“We are deeply grateful to each of our departing board members for their service and leadership and the time they committed to supporting and enhancing local health care. Each provided valuable perspectives and insights that made a positive impact on our organization,” Streier said.

Jorgensen spent his last two years on the board serving as the chairperson. Amanda Sieling now moves from the vice chair role to become board chair. Dr. Jill Vroman is the new vice chair.

Knowing that several members would be leaving the board this year, Streier said the organization added three individuals to the board last year, including Sharon Hennen, Tim O’Leary and Dr. Jill Vroman.

The Avera Marshall board of directors makes decisions concerning the local governance of the organization. The directors include community members from the region and representatives of the Avera system.