Governor's Press Secretary to Join Avera McKennan

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Oct. 2008) - Mitch Krebs, Governor Rounds Press Secretary since February 2007, will join Avera McKennan as assistant vice president of media and community relations. Krebs will be Avera McKennan's spokesperson and will manage relationships with the local, regional and national media. Further, Krebs will work closely with the many communities Avera McKennan serves throughout the region. He will also be responsible for both internal and external communications.

"I am delighted that Mitch has chosen to join our team," said Michelle Lavallee, senior vice president of Marketing, Communications & Strategic Planning for Avera McKennan. "He has exceptional communications skills and his experience both with the Governor's office and with KSFY will help Avera McKennan to tell our story and serve our communities to an even greater extent."

Krebs will replace Kenyon Gleason.

About Avera McKennan
Avera McKennan is an integrated delivery network that includes Avera McKennan & University Health Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., as well as 115 locations in 62 communities in five states. Our ministry, our people and our superior value distinguish Avera. We carry on the health care legacy of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, delivering care in an environment guided by our values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship. Avera McKennan colleagues work for the largest health system in the region - Avera Health. The Avera network has some 13,100 employees and physicians, serving 235 locations and 87 communities in a five-state region. Inpatient and clinic visits totaled 2.1 million in the last fiscal year, a number equal to more than twice the population of the Avera service area.