Valued Voice

Mark Thompson, MDDr. Mark Thompson has been named the next president and CEO of Upland Hills Health (UHH) in Dodgeville, effective September 15. A seasoned health care executive and longtime WHA leader, Thompson returns to Wisconsin to lead the rural health organization following a national search conducted by the UHH Board of Trustees. He succeeds WHA Board Member Lisa Schnedler, who is retiring after 12 years of service. 

Thompson brings more than 25 years of health care leadership experience to the role, having served in senior clinical and administrative positions across large health systems and community-based hospitals in Wisconsin and beyond. Most recently, he served as market president for the western district of Essentia Health. His previous roles include president of medical groups and chief clinical officer at SSM Health. 

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Thompson has been a highly engaged leader within WHA. He served multiple terms on WHA’s Board of Directors as an at-large physician member (2017–2023) and contributed extensively through WHA’s Councils on Public Policy, Workforce Development and the Physician Leaders Council, among others. He was also an active participant in WHA events and webinars and a consistent supporter of the Wisconsin Hospitals PAC and Conduit. 

“Dr. Thompson has long been a valued contributor to WHA’s work to strengthen health care in Wisconsin,” said WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding. “His leadership, especially on workforce and physician issues, has made a meaningful impact. We congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to continuing our partnership as he takes on this important role at Upland Hills Health.” 

In a statement on his appointment, Thompson said, “I am honored to accept the role of president and CEO at Upland Hills Health and am deeply inspired by the organization’s exceptional culture and unwavering dedication to excellence. UHH stands as a model of compassionate, high-quality care, and I am committed to advancing our shared mission of delivering leading-edge healthcare services to the rural communities we serve.”