Gov. Evers Appoints Sauk Prairie Healthcare CEO to Healthcare Task Force

Gov. Tony Evers recently appointed Shawn Lerch, CEO of Sauk Prairie Healthcare, to serve on Wisconsin’s Task Force on Healthcare Workforce.

The new task force is charged with examining and addressing the healthcare labor shortage in Wisconsin. Task force appointees will discuss recruitment and retention strategies; identify opportunities to improve patient care and alleviate the burdens felt by the healthcare workforce; explore education and training pathways to grow a sustainable healthcare workforce; and create an action plan with solutions related to workforce development, industry innovation, and education and training for consideration in the governor’s 2025-27 executive budget.

Chaired by Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, the 25-member task force also includes representatives from other healthcare systems and organizations, higher education institutions, Tribal Nations, and governmental departments.

“I am deeply grateful to Gov. Tony Evers for the privilege of serving on this task force,” said Lerch. “I look forward to being part of this initiative focused on collaboration across the state to identify strategies designed to enhance healthcare quality and positively impact the lives of Wisconsin residents. I am honored to contribute to this vital mission."

Lerch previously served on several Wisconsin Military Medics and Corpsmen (Wis-MAC) task groups where he shared his experiences and knowledge to shape the development of the Heroes for Healthcare program requirements. Heroes for Healthcare is a nonprofit organization administered by Wis-MAC that helps transitioning, medically trained Veterans obtain work in civilian healthcare.