Jerry Carl, CEO at Luverne Community Hospital, announced to Sioux Valley Regional Health Services and the Luverne Community Hospital Advisory Board and hospital staff on Wednesday his plans for retirement. Carl will retire sometime in 2006."I am working with Sioux Valley Regional Health Services to determine a definite date, but I wanted to let my employer, Sioux Valley, and the advisory board know of my plans. This will allow Sioux Valley Regional Health Services the necessary time to find the best person for this position – someone who will serve this hospital and community well," said Carl. "I also wanted to allow for a smooth transition for that person and that takes time."Carl has been CEO at Luverne Community Hospital since 1987. He came to Luverne from Rapid City Regional Hospital where he was the Director of Outreach Health Facilities for Rushmore Health System, the Parent Corporation for Rapid City Regional Hospital. During his tenure at Luverne, many positive changes have taken place. The present facility was renovated and expanded in 1991 bringing with it new healthcare technology and jobs to the community. In 1996, he worked with Sioux Valley to establish an associate relationship that brought more healthcare services to the community and more efficient operations. He was instrumental in the purchase of the hospital by Sioux Valley – an agreement signed in 2000 that brought even more services to the community. To top off his career in healthcare, he has played an integral part in the construction of a new hospital and clinic facility presently being built on the north side of Luverne. Fundraising by the community raised $1.5 million dollars toward building the new healthcare facility. Carl has worked diligently in response to the shift of services from inpatient to outpatient care and to provide more and better 21st century medicine in the area. In addition, to provide on-site hospice care and fill an unmet community need, Carl and staff worked to fill that need and the hospital built a Hospice Cottage in Luverne in 1998 "Jerry has worked hard to see that the families served by Luverne Community Hospital have access to the best healthcare. He also has dedicated tremendous time and effort in working with Sioux Valley to design and build the new facility," said Ed Weiland, President of Sioux Valley Regional Health Services. "If anyone deserves to start taking it easy, Jerry does. However, we appreciate the time he has allowed us in order to find the right person for the job."Carl stated that he wants to now spend more time with his wife and family, including his three children. A daughter lives in this area and a son and daughter live in Missouri. He and his wife, Judy, have nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild and are awaiting the birth of another great-grandchild in April."My wife and I have had plans for years to take a leisurely trip down the Mississippi in a new boat – something that will be one of my first ‘fun’ purchases – and tour sites all along the way. I also am ready to dedicate myself to my favorite sport of fishing." said Carl. "And now I can begin making that happen. It’s exciting."In a letter to the advisory board, Carl conveyed that he has enjoyed the challenges, the most recent being the construction of the new hospital and clinic. He also complimented staff for being outstanding team players, making it a great place to manage. On behalf of the Luverne Community Hospital Advisory Board, Steve Perkins, Board President, made this statement: "Although it is yet some time away, we were saddened to learn of Jerry Carl’s pending retirement - or as he says – "re-engagement", but I understand his desire for more family and fishing time! During the last 17 years, Jerry has been a very integral part in providing solutions for the many hard issues Luverne Community Hospital has faced – most importantly the sale and transition to Sioux Valley."We will sorely miss his quiet but effective style. Symbolizing his true leadership he leaves behind a very talented, professional and dedicated staff that performs as an integral team. Luverne Community Hospital is better because of his work and dedication. On behalf of the board, we extend our sincere appreciation and best wishes to Jerry and his wife, Judy, and the words, ‘Well done you good and faithful servant’."Sioux Valley Regional Health Services will soon begin the recruitment process for a new CEO.