Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) in Lake City has announced that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Cindy Carstens, will retire on Dec. 31 of this year. Carstens has served in the position for 15 years, during which she has made significant contributions to the hospital’s growth and success. Scott Nesbitt, Board Chair of SMCH, commended Carstens’ leadership, saying, “I’m confident that the rest of the board, administration, and staff share my high regard for Cindy’s service at Stewart Memorial. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership, which has proved vital in guiding the hospital through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing growth in ways such as the building project. She has maintained a calm, confident demeanor through every hurdle put in front of her. Cindy will be greatly missed, but we wish her the best in her well-earned retirement!” Carstens initially joined SMCH in 2008 as the Chief Nursing Officer before transitioning to the role of CEO in 2016. Throughout her tenure, she played a crucial role in recruiting healthcare providers, including physicians and advanced practice practitioners, to expand primary care and specialty services in the community. Carstens also oversaw various renovation and building projects to enhance the hospital’s facilities. To find Carstens’ successor, SMCH plans to post a job listing for the CEO position on July 10. UnityPoint Health Fort Dodge leadership will collaborate with the SMCH Board of Directors in the coming months to identify the next CEO for the organization.
