New Ulm Medical Center names Carisa Buegler as new president
Buegler has worked at NUMC for more than 20 years in several leadership roles. Most recently, she served as the director of Operations, where she helped guide long‑term planning, oversaw major building updates, supported staff engagement and led both clinical and support service teams. She also supported the openings of the Springfield and Lamberton clinics in 2020.
“Carisa’s deep experience, strong vision and lifelong commitment to this community make her the right leader for New Ulm Medical Center,” said Josh Shepherd, Market President of Allina Health Regional Hospitals. “Her teamwork‑focused approach and dedication to improving rural health care will help NUMC continue to grow and innovate.”
Buegler has strong roots in New Ulm. She was born at the medical center, giving her a personal connection to the place she now leads. Before she was the director of Operations, she served as NUMC’s director of Foundation and Community Engagement, where she led major fundraising projects, built community partnerships and supported local health improvement efforts.
“I am honored to lead New Ulm Medical Center and to serve the community that has shaped me personally and professionally,” Buegler said. “Our amazing team is committed to providing exceptional care to this region, and I look forward to building upon NUMC’s strong tradition of excellence.”
Buegler earned a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Science in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota. She has been active in many community groups, including the New Ulm Area Foundation, City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission, ISD#88 and New Ulm Rotary.
The president role was previously held by Whitney Johnson, RN, MHA, who is now the vice president of Operations at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
About Allina Health
Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.
Allina Health Institutes are at the forefront of the mission, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:
- Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research and care delivery through clinical trials, publications and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.
- Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations—including its three largest hospitals, which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.
- Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute – Delivering advanced neurologic and spine care through Givens Brain Tumor Program, two nationally accredited stroke centers and an elite Adult Neurology Residency Program, while earning recognition from Becker’s, Newsweek & U.S. News & World Report.
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