New Year Brings Leadership Changes at Bryan Health as Russel Retires, Gronewold & Woodrich Assume New Roles 

Bryan Health rang in the New Year with a smooth transition of leadership, as Kim Russel retired and Russ Gronewold & John Woodrich assume new roles.

As announced in early July, Russel’s retirement became effective on Jan. 3, 2020, after nearly 12 years of leadership. Bryan Health Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Russ Gronewold, succeeds Russel as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Bryan Health. John Woodrich is now president and CEO of Bryan Medical Center and executive vice president of Bryan Health.

“The Board of Trustees has deep confidence in the skill and dedication of the Bryan Leadership team,” said Bill Lester, chair of the Bryan Health Board of Trustees. “This transition provides a high level of continuity for Bryan Health. The board is committed to continuing Bryan’s trajectory of positive growth and strong service to the community and to the state.”

Since 2009, Russel and her team led multiple efforts to construct new facilities and expand existing ones at both Bryan East Campus and Bryan West Campus. Other notable accomplishments include the acquisition of Merrick Medical Center, implementing a new electronic health record system, record enrollment at the Bryan College of Health Sciences, an expanded Bryan Physician Network and the largest private fundraising effort in Bryan history.

“The Board of Trustees is extremely appreciative of Kim’s record of accomplishments,” Lester said. “With her leadership, Bryan Health’s services to its patients have grown significantly. Perhaps Kim’s most important legacy will be the highly talented leadership team that she has developed over the years.”

Gronewold and Woodrich joined Russel at Bryan Health one decade ago. Gronewold, a native of Adams, Nebraska, has served as Bryan Health’s CFO since Dec. 29, 2009. Woodrich, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, has served as Bryan Medical Center president and chief operating officer since December 1, 2009.

“When it comes to the leadership and direction of Bryan Health, John and I are on the same page,” Gronewold said. “We look forward to leading this organization into the future and continuing to provide excellent, personalized care to the people of this region.”

Russel and her husband, Dr. Dirk Brom, plan to remain in Lincoln during retirement. They look forward to spending more time with their grandchildren and taking in all the amenities the city has to offer.