MINNEAPOLIS (April 14, 2022) — Allina Health is pleased to announce Sara Criger has been promoted to lead Acute Care Services for Allina Health. In her expanded role, Criger will serve as senior vice president of Allina Health Operations, providing executive leadership support to 11 hospitals and key clinical service areas throughout the Allina Health system including Allina Health Emergency Medical Services, Allina’s Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Cardiovascular Clinical Service Lines.
“I am honored to lead Allina Health’s Acute Care Services at this transformational time,” said Criger, senior vice president of operations and acute care services for Allina Health. “I have spent my career building programs and systems to improve care and make it more equitable and accessible. I am excited to continue our innovative work to increase integrated care and transform care delivery throughout our system, so we can continue providing excellent care to our communities and our region for generations to come.”
Spanning three decades, Criger brings a rich background in managing large hospitals and clinics. Since 2012, she has served as senior vice president of Operations for Minneapolis-based Allina Health. Within Allina Health, she has also held the role of president of Mercy and United hospitals. Before joining Allina Health, she served as vice president of HealthEast Care System and CEO of its St. Joseph's Hospital, both in in St. Paul, Minn. Criger holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Western Connecticut State University and a master's degree in health services administration from the University of St. Francis in Illinois.
“Sara is an experienced connector, influencer and innovator who has dedicated her career to improving the health of the communities we serve,” said Lisa Shannon, president and CEO of Allina Health. “The leadership and vision Sara brings to this new role will help us accelerate Allina Health’s transformation journey to deliver seamlessly connected care for the most complex patients across our system and region.”
An active member of the community, Criger completed two years as the Chair of the Minnesota Hospital Association Board of Directors and continues to serve as a member of its Board and Executive Committee. Additionally, she is a Board and Executive Committee member, and immediate past chair of the Life Source Board of Directors.
Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.