SSM Health names experienced team to lead its operations in Fond du Lac

SSM Health is pleased to announce a strong, new leadership collaboration for SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital and its operations in Fond du Lac. The health care organization has tapped Dr. Brent Meier and Shane Smith for expanded roles in service to SSM Health’s commitment to an exceptional patient experience.

Shane Smith is stepping into a new role as president for SSM Health’s Fond du Lac market, assuming leadership responsibilities for St. Agnes Hospital. Since first joining the organization in January of 2024 as Vice President of Medical Group Operations for the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic, Smith has been an engaged and effective partner with the clinic’s physicians and operational leaders as well as the care teams at St. Agnes Hospital. He brings to his new role more than 20 years of health care experience as a system leader and administrator, including his previous experience with Mayo Clinic Health System and ThedaCare in Neenah, Wisconsin.

“It has been gratifying to be out in the community getting to know local leaders and residents, and gaining a solid understanding of what businesses, individuals and families are looking for from their local health care provider as it relates to their health and wellness needs,” Smith says. “I welcome the opportunity to continue supporting the Fond du Lac area community and bring forward programs and services that keep as many services at a local level as possible.”

Dr. Brent Meier will oversee SSM Health’s northern region as Clinical Vice President and Market Physician Leader and will serve as Vice President of Medical Affairs for SSM Health’s St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac and Ripon Community and Waupun Memorial hospitals. Since joining SSM Health in December 2022, Dr. Meier has served as Vice President of Surgical & Acute Care Programs. He held previous leadership positions with ThedaCare in Neenah, Wisconsin.

“We’re incredibly blessed in the Fond du Lac area to have a hospital and clinic that offers a wide variety of quality health care services, some that you can generally only find in larger facilities within larger communities,” according to Dr. Meier. “We know this is important during any recovery process as individuals heal more quickly surrounded by family and friends.”

The two new leaders will partner in bringing additional support to what has been a long-established tradition of collaboration among physicians and clinical and operational teams in SSM Health’s hospitals and clinic settings in Fond du Lac. They are eager to continue their collaboration with the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic Board and Community Council to meet the changing health care needs of the people of Fond du Lac.