After an extraordinary 40-year career dedicated to health care and service to patients and communities, DeAnn Thurmer, president of SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, has announced her retirement on July 1, 2026.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Thurmer began her distinguished career in 1985 at Waupun Memorial Hospital.

DeAnn Thurmer

“For the past 40 years, DeAnn Thurmer has been passionate about health care, and we are incredibly thankful for her dedication and commitment,” according to Dawit Tesfasilassie, SSM Health Wisconsin Region VP-Acute Care.

“Her leadership has strengthened our hospitals and inspired generations of caregivers.”

Thurmer has served as an exceptional executive since 1995. A registered nurse, she was the recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her lasting impact on nursing and clinical excellence. Throughout her career, she has guided teams to achieve high-quality outcomes while fostering a supportive and mission-driven culture.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve our patients, caregivers and communities,” Thurmer says. “Health care has always been my passion, and I am deeply grateful for the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to work alongside in Baraboo, Ripon, and Waupun.”

As Thurmer retires, SSM Health is pleased to welcome Nicole Gill as the new administrator at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital/SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, providing leadership continuity and continued focus on high-quality, compassionate care.

Nicole Gill

“We are excited to welcome Nicole into this role,” Tesfasilassie says. “She brings strong leadership, a deep commitment to our mission, and a clear focus on supporting our caregivers and communities.”

With more than 28 years of experience, Gill has direct accountability for clinical care delivery, quality, operational, fiscal goals, ensuring alignment with broader organization priorities. She works with leaders to improve overall operational effectiveness and service to patients and their families.

Gill started as a Diabetes Services lead in 2005, moving to a manager role in 2010. In 2014, she was promoted to nursing director at all three hospitals, championing the creation of Endocrinology and ID Services at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital. She has served in her existing role since 2024.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marian University and received a master’s degree in nutrition from Mt. Mary College in Milwaukee.

Gill expressed appreciation for Thurmer’s legacy and enthusiasm for the role.

“DeAnn’s impact on these hospitals and communities is profound,” Gill says. “I am honored to follow in her footsteps and look forward to working with our teams to build on the strong foundation she has created.”

As part of SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital’s 75-year anniversary, a special public open house has been scheduled from 10 am – 12 pm on Sunday, June 28. The event will feature refreshments (enjoy some delicious cake), an anniversary banner to sign or share a special memory, art display overview, and new Agnesian HealthCare Foundation donor wall unveiling.

“The timing of this event provides a wonderful opportunity for me to celebrate my retirement and welcoming back previous employees, providers, volunteers, and more,” Thurmer shares. “It represents the heart and commitment everyone in our first 75 years of existence have brought to our incredibly successful and noteworthy ministry.”