Coenen joins Gundersen Tri-County as the new Administrator

Coenen joins Gundersen Tri-County as the new Administrator

When Daniel Coenen started his career as a Radiology Technologist at Gundersen Tri-County Hospitalin Whitehall, his family and community connections grew quickly.

"I joined the Whitehall Fire Department, and my wife started teaching nearby in Eleva-Strum," Dan recalls. "We met a ton of people through events and fundraisers. We started our family in Whitehall and are looking forward to returning to the area!"

Dan is excited to deepen his roots in an area he knows well as the incoming Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics Administrator on Oct. 1. Dan steps in for Joni Olson, who is retiringafter 46 years of service to our system.

"The opportunity to work once again in Whitehall is both exciting and fulfilling," Dan shares. "I am inspired by the strong, dedicated team members at Gundersen Tri-County, whose commitment to exceptional patient care aligns with my own values. This role allows me to lean into my experience and contribute to the growth and success of a community-centered hospital and clinics. I am honored by the prospect of contributing to its success and continuing its legacy."

"Dan knows the Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics service area well," Joni shares. "Having lived and worked in this area for several years, Dan comes into this role with a great understanding of the needs of the people who call this area home. I know he will carry on the culture of quality and service the people we care for expect and deserve. I am proud to hand over this role to Dan, and I wish him all the best."

Dan's first leadership role was at Gundersen Tri-County, where he served as Imaging Services Supervisor until 2016. He was then promoted to Regional Imaging Clinical Manager for Gundersen Health System, a position he held through 2022. Dan most recently served as Clinical Operations Director for several primary and specialty care departments, including General Internal Medicine, Otolaryngology, Audiology, Ambulatory Nursing Float Pool and Preadmissions.

"As a leader, I take pride in creating a positive workplace and encouraging staff growth and development," Dan shares. "By fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect, I ensure that everyone feels invested in our shared goals. I advocate for data-driven decision-making, using performance metrics and patient feedback to continuously improve our services, while maintaining a compassionate, patient-centered approach."

"I look forward to building relationships with staff and community members, meeting all teams to understand their roles and challenges, and listening to their ideas and feedback. I'll also focus on getting a full understanding of our organizational strategies and reviewing ongoing projects and initiatives. Additionally, I'm excited about the upcoming opening of our new clinic in Mondoviand will ensure it aligns with our broader goals and community needs."

When Dan's not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jaclyn, who now teaches elementary music in Arcadia, and their three kids. And, when they're not at one of the kids' activities, Dan and his family love to spend time at the family cabin up north.