2/16/2023
New Director Announced with the Sioux Falls VA
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Sara Ackert, as the Medical Center Director for VA Sioux Falls Health Care System, VISN 23 effective March 12, 2023. Ms. Ackert is currently the Associate Director of Resources and Operations for VA Central Iowa Health Care System.
Ms. Ackert holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from Des Moines University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with emphasis in psychology from Grandview College. She is a graduate of the VHA Executive Career Field (ECF) Leadership Development Program and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
Ms. Ackert has been with the Department of Veterans Affairs for over 33 years and has proven success in health care operations. She began her VA career at VA Central Iowa Health
Care System as a staff nurse in the ICU progressing to positions of increasing responsibility to include Quality Management Specialist, Compliance Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Administrative
Officer to the Chief of Staff, Administrative Officer to the Medical Center Director and Associate Medical Center Director VA Sioux Falls Health Care System as well as a number of details as Acting Medical Center Director.
Ms. Ackert has a strong history of leadership, managing change and building solid professional coalitions. I am confident she will continue to be an asset to our VISN, the Medical Center employees, volunteers, as well as the Sioux Falls health care partners, community and Veterans we are honored to serve.
I would like to thank Dr. Timothy Pendergrass for serving as the acting director during the transition, and to thank you for your continued support during this transition of Directors. I know that you will join me as we welcome Ms. Ackert.
Robert P. McDivitt, FACHE
Executive Director, VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23)
