Some people go through life without ever finding their true calling.  Fortunately for Roseau Area Hospital and Homes, and all of Roseau County, Keith Okeson isn't one of them.

In August, he became this healthcare facility's president and chief executive officer, and if early indications are right, he is on his way to achieving a lifelong goal-while still in his 30's.

Though he did not grow up here, Okeson is no stranger to rural healthcare, Roseau County, or Roseau Area Hospital and Homes.

For the past eleven years, he has served as head of Altru clinic s in northern Minnesota.  he has traveled to many communities in and around Roseau County on almost a weekly basis, addressing their healthcare issues.

Keith Okeson, new President/CEO of Roseau Area Hospital and Homes, gets a tour of the hospital's Nurses Station.  Pictured with Keith from left to right are Roxanne Fabian, Sue Wilebski, and Sophie Warne.

Prior to his work in northern Minnesota, Okeson served as administrator of the clinic in Rolla, North Dakota.

"I went there after graduating from Concordia College with the intention of serving one year.  I was fresh out of school and wet behind the ears, and I quickly learned how important a good staff is."

It was there he developed his administrative style, treating staff more like family members than employees.

When the opportunity came for him to move to Roseau, he paused momentarily to recall where it was.

"I grew up in Twin Valley, Minnesota, so I was somewhat familiar with the area, but when the clinic administrator job in Roseau was offered I had to think a minute.  The only recollection I had of Roseau was running in a snowstorm during a Regions track meet back in high school," he laughs.  "Oh, now I remember Roseau!"

Fortunately, he agreed to a site visit. S till newlyweds, he and his wife Missy made the trip to acquaint themselves with the area and immediately fell in love with Roseau County.

"once we came here we were really amazed with this whole region.  The small towns were so progressive, we were impressed by all the industry, and of course the people were wonderful."

In working with the area clinics, Okeson gained valuable insight into the shared benefits of a partnership with Roseau area Hospital and Homes.

"I couldn't have asked for better prep work for this new job because it introduced me to people from every community and the needs that are unique to their area," he says - a point he reiterated at a recent hospital employee meeting.

"I sat down at that meeting and knew every single person in that room, except two," he recalls, "and there were thirty people there."

Part of that familiarity stems from working relationships, but much of it comes from his ongoing community involvement.

Involved in several activities, Keith is also a past president of the church board at Messiah Lutheran Church in Roseau.

Missy is the education coordinator for northwest Minnesota's Head Start Program and works from the Badger office.

Their daughter Taylor, 12, is a member of the Candy Stripers volunteer youth program at RAHH, and son Tanner, 10, like his dad is a fan of all things sports.  both children attend school in Roseau.

Now more than a month into his role as President/CEO at RAHH, Okeson admits the first several weeks were a very busy but exciting time.

Mr. Okeson's first weeks as on the job included department meetings so staff members could get to know him and his approach to administration

"I basically wanted to immerse myself in the inner workings of Roseau Area Hospital and Homes, and the best way to do that was to have informational meetings with members of each department," he says. "I feel it's important that they know who I am, but also to find out what  I can do for them."

A busy time indeed, but it has given him the introduction into a whole new level of appreciation for an organzation he previously could only admire from afar.

"As an outsider, I always had respect for Roseau Area Hospital and Homes.  Now, to actually see what goes on and to see the passion the employees work with, it truly is an impressive place."

Okeson says his plans are to continue the success his predecessors and the hospital Board of Directors have established.

"This is a great opportunity that I hope to enjoy for a long, long time," he says.