Sanford recognized as one of top 5 employers for veterans

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Sanford Health has been recognized by Military Times for being one of the best employers across the country for veterans. This is the fourth year in a row Sanford Health has been honored on this list.

The 2022 Best for Vets: Employers List highlights 175 employers, and Sanford Health landed at no. 4, up from no. 36 last year. This year, Sanford Health ranked no. 1 in the non-profit category of employers and no. 1 in the healthcare category of employers.

“At Sanford Health, we are committed to honoring the service, sacrifices and bravery of veterans while offering a welcoming environment for them to thrive in the Sanford family. My father served in the United States Air Force, and as a son of a veteran, I know first-hand the value and unique perspective veterans and military personnel add to our workforce,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “I’m humbled by their service and thankful many have chosen Sanford Health as their employer, where I hope they find a meaningful and supportive work environment.”

In the past year, Sanford Health has increased the number of veterans in its workforce by 6% and the number of active National Guard and Army Reserve members by 16%. Capt. Paul Weckman, a retired veteran of the United States Navy, leads Sanford Health’s department of military and veteran affairs, which oversees programs that are meant to support veterans and their families during and after their service.

People who disclose they are veterans of the United States uniformed services when applying for a job at Sanford Health are automatically given a screening interview. Service members have the option to continue their education and apply for a $5,000 scholarship to help them do this. A full list of benefits can be found on a section of Sanford’s Veteran Careers website.

“As we continue to seek out and hire more veterans to become part of the Sanford family, it’s important we do all that we can to make them feel supported and valued,” said Capt. Weckman. “Being recognized by Military Times as one of the top 5 employers is an honor, and these programs we offer to recruit, retain and support veterans are the least we can do for the sacrifices these brave men and women have made serving our country.”

In 2021, Military Times worked with a consulting company, Fors Marsh, to update the survey employers use to be considered for the 2022 Best for Vets: Employers List. The new survey analyzes an employer’s recruitment and employment practices, along with retention and support programs.

To determine the rankings, employers take a voluntary survey. It analyzes the company’s efforts to recruit, retain and support current and former service members, military spouses, and military caregivers.

About Sanford Health

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves more than one million patients and 220,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 47 medical centers, 2,800 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 170 clinical investigators and research scientists, more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations and world clinics in 8 countries around the globe. Learn more about Sanford Health's commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.