WADENA, Minn. – July 1, 2026 — Astera Health is pleased to announce that Mike Schramm will join the organization as Interim Chief Executive Officer beginning July 6, 2026.
Schramm brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in rural healthcare organizations across Minnesota. Throughout his career, he has led hospitals and health systems through strategic growth, physician recruitment, facility expansion, financial improvement, and organizational transformation while maintaining a strong commitment to providing high-quality healthcare close to home.
Most recently, Schramm served as President of CentraCare–Willmar, where he oversaw hospital and clinic operations, supported physician recruitment efforts, supported cancer center expansion, advanced patient safety initiatives, and helped guide long-term facility planning before retiring in early 2025. Previously, he served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of Carris Health and Chief Executive Officer of Rice Memorial Hospital, Meeker Memorial Hospital, and Sibley Medical Center.
“I am excited to announce the Board of Directors approved the hiring of Mike Schramm as Interim CEO at Astera Health,” said Chief Operating Officer and VP of Human Resources, Shelly Gompf. “We are looking forward to having Mike join our team and help us to continue our strategic plan and vision of being a trusted partner for life for the communities we serve.”
As Interim CEO, Schramm will work closely with Astera Health’s leadership team, Board of Directors, providers, and employees to ensure continuity of operations while the Board conducts a search for the organization’s next permanent Chief Executive Officer.
“I am honored to join Astera Health during this important time,” said Schramm. “Rural healthcare is my passion, and I look forward to getting to know the dedicated employees, providers, volunteers, and community members who make Astera Health such a valued organization. Together, we’ll continue building on the strong foundation already in place while maintaining our focus on delivering exceptional care close to home.”
Jackie Och, Chair of the Astera Health Board of Directors, said the Board is confident Schramm’s experience will help guide the organization through the leadership transition. “Mike has spent his career leading rural healthcare organizations and understands both the opportunities and challenges facing community hospitals today,” Och said. “His extensive experience and collaborative leadership style make him an excellent fit to lead Astera Health during this transition while we continue our search for a permanent CEO.”
Astera Health remains committed to its mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. Patients can expect uninterrupted access to the same high-quality care and services they have come to trust.
ABOUT ASTERA HEALTH
Astera Health is a private, not-for-profit health care system based in Wadena, Minnesota. It offers care services such as primary health, surgery, cancer care, diagnostic imaging, obstetrics, orthopedics and rehabilitation. Astera Health operates a hospital and medical clinic in Wadena, and serves the counties of Wadena, Todd and Otter Tail through five satellite clinics in Bertha, Henning, Ottertail, Sebeka and Verndale. Visit asterahealth.org.