The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) has named DeAnn Thurmer, president of SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, as a recipient of the 2026 Rural Health Ambassador Award.

The Rural Health Ambassador Award recognizes health care professionals who go above and beyond in promoting their organization while making significant contributions to rural health and strengthening connections within the communities they serve.

“I was so surprised to receive this award,” Thurmer shares. “Rural health care has been my passion from the start and only increased over the years. It has been my honor and blessing to represent and advocate for the rural hospitals and communities I have been fortunate to serve over my career.”

Thurmer was selected for her lifelong commitment to rural health care, servant leadership and her deep connection to the communities of Baraboo, Ripon, and Waupun.

“DeAnn exemplifies the mission and vision of SSM Health through her unwavering dedication to rural health care and the people we serve,” according to Dawit Tesfasilassie, SSM Health Wisconsin Region VP-Acute Care. “Her leadership reflects both heart and purpose, and her impact on patients, caregivers and communities is truly lasting.”

Beginning her career as a nurse at Waupun Memorial Hospital, she has advanced through progressive leadership roles over more than four decades, ultimately serving as president – while remaining grounded in the needs of patients, caregivers and rural communities.

A registered nurse and recipient of a DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, Thurmer is known for bringing a clinician’s perspective to executive leadership. She consistently prioritizes quality, safety, and compassionate care while navigating the unique challenges of rural health care delivery.

Her leadership is defined by a strong commitment to supporting and uplifting caregivers. She fosters a culture where team members feel valued, heard and empowered – recognizing that exceptional patient care begins with engaged and supported staff.

Since joining SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo, Thurmer has played a critical role in guiding the organization through strategic planning efforts that are strengthening services, supporting caregivers and reinforcing the hospital’s essential role in the community.

In addition to her leadership within SSM Health, Thurmer is an active presence in the communities she serves – regularly engaging in outreach, advocacy and public speaking, and representing her hospitals in regional and statewide rural health initiatives. She also participates in RWHC president roundtables and serves on the organization’s Board of Directors, helping shape the future of rural health care across Wisconsin.

“DeAnn’s recognition as a Rural Health Ambassador is a reflection of the profound impact she has had on the patients, caregivers and communities she serves,” says Mary LaHam, Vice President, Clinical Administrator at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo. “Her leadership is grounded in compassion, clinical expertise and an unwavering commitment to rural health. DeAnn has a unique ability to bring people together, strengthen teams and ensure that our communities continue to have access to high-quality, patient-centered care close to home. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.”

Incorporated in 1979, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative is nationally recognized as one of the country’s earliest and most successful models for collaboration among rural hospitals. RWHC serves as a catalyst for regional partnerships and supports its member hospitals with shared services, education and advocacy to strengthen rural health.

SSM Health’s Wisconsin hospitals are proud members of RWHC and share its mission of strengthening and sustaining rural health for the communities they serve.

DeAnn Thurmer, president of SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, receives the 2026 Rural Health Ambassador Award from Jeremy Levin, Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative Director of Advocacy.