MARSHALL — Avera Marshall will have a new regional president and CEO starting in February, according to a Monday news release.

Debbie Streier has been named the new regional president and CEO for Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center.

Streier is currently serving as vice president of Operations at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, S.D. She has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field, and has been vice president of operations at Avera St. Luke’s since 2014.

Streier joined Avera in 2008 as a clinic manager. Streier played a key role in growing the medical group and service offerings in the Avera St. Luke’s region, Avera spokespeople said.

Streier holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, and a master’s degree in health care administration from Capella University in Minneapolis, Avera spokespeople said.

Streier will begin her new role as Avera Marshall regional president and CEO on Feb. 1. As part of the job, she will have leadership responsibilities at Avera Marshall, as well as Avera Tyler and Avera Granite Falls Health Center.

“Debbie’s qualifications and experience make her the right choice for this role,” said Bob Sutton, Avera Health president and CEO.

“She has a natural ability to build collaborative relationships, integrate mission into our strategies and build effective teams. The Marshall region is a vibrant part of Avera and an important area of growth for our system. I am confident in Debbie’s ability to lead this region and carry forth Avera’s mission of ensuring access to quality health care for area residents.”

Avera Marshall launched a national candidate search after Mary Maertens stepped down as Avera Marshall president and CEO in September. In early December, interim Avera Marshall regional co-presidents Curt Hohman and Mark Vortherms said they hoped to narrow down the field of candidates who interviewed for the position, and have finalists visit the site before Christmas. The interview team at Avera Marshall included six executives as well as board chairman Doug Olsen. However, Hohman and Vortherms said the interview team also got feedback from Avera Marshall employees and community leaders on what kind of leadership skills and background to look for in a candidate.

“We had several strong candidates apply for the position — both from inside and outside of Avera,” Olsen said.

“What sets Debbie apart is her passion as a servant leader. She has the proven ability to bring people together to achieve common goals. I believe she is the right person to lead us into the future – ensuring an environment that enables patients to receive great care, physicians to practice high quality medicine, and employees to love where they work.”

“I’m honored to take on this new role with Avera,” Streier said. “I have a passion for the work we do and the role we play in our communities across the footprint. I look forward to joining the team in the Marshall region and becoming part of the community. I’m excited to work with employees, physicians, advanced practice professionals and leaders in carrying out our mission in service to the region.”

Streier and her husband Steve plan to move to Marshall, Avera spokespeople said. They have two children, Megan, a sophomore at the University of South Dakota, and Zach, a graduate of South Dakota State University.