RMC Administrator Set To Retire

After 24 years as administrator of Roosevelt Medical Center, Audrey Stromberg is retiring. The announcement came at the March hospital governing board meeting where Stromberg gave her formal resignation letter. Her last day is June 27, at which time, she will have dedicated 8,913 days, 213,917 hours and 12,835,050 minutes to strengthening healthcare in our community.

For her, the days have been rewarding and challenging and that is what has kept her passionate and engaged day after day.

"Healthcare has changed so much in the last decade. I feel like it is time for someone with a fresh set of eyes, new ideas, perspective, and abundant energy to come in and continue doing the good work. I am confident that the future path will continue to showcase many successes," said Stromberg.

She has no immediate or definite retirement activities planned other than to take some time to breathe, and enjoy time with family, notably her five grandchildren.

During her tenure she has grown both inpatient and outpatient services. Her largest endeavor occurred in 2022, when she oversaw the facility remodel that brought all patient services upstairs and streamlined processes.

"I am proud of the fiscally responsible way we have operated over the years. It has enabled us to maintain a strong presence in the community, while providing vital primary and emergency care services, as well as ensuring our aged population have access to long-term care," she said.

Throughout the years, Stromberg has served on several Montana Hospital Association committees and boards dealing with quality, legislation, and performance improvement. She was also the secretary for the Montana Health Network for 10 years. She served on the Northeastern Area Health Education Center Board which brings information about healthcare careers to high school students. Locally, she also served on the Culbertson Chamber of Commerce and The Big Sky Field Airport Board. She is on the STAT Air Ambulance Board.

With a passion for philanthropy, Stromberg also actively supported the Roosevelt Memorial Healthcare Foundation helping guide projects that left an impact on the patient care, the community, and staff.

"Under her leadership, we have stayed true to our mission, established financial sustainability, sharpened our strategies for growth and developed a team of leaders that will take RMC into the future," said Jennifer Kessner, CFO.

Admittedly, Stromberg always wanted to become a doctor. She became a nurse instead, and worked at Sherian Memorial Hospital, in Plentywood, as both a staff nurse and as a public health and home health nurse. She was hired as the Director of Nursing at RMC in 2000, but only served in that role for two weeks before taking over as administrator for her predecessor, Brent Smith.

"I have always been passionate about healthcare. It has always been about the people you meet and the opportunities our rural area gives you to develop relationships. You get to know patients on a deeper level, and that is what makes all the difference in how you can deliver care to the person and their family, on a holistic level," she said.

The governing board opened Stromberg's administrator position internally to staff for several weeks and is now advertising externally.

"Audrey's leadership and dedication have truly made a lasting impact on our community and the patients of RMC. The board wishes her the very best as she embarks on this new chapter in her life and they are appreciative of all that she has done to ensure quality healthcare has been accessible in our area," said Robbie Savelkoul, governing board chairperson.