Longtime New Ulm Medical Center director Toby Freier will take on the role of Vice President of Strategic Market Development and Outreach at Allina Health starting July 1. Photo by Fritz Busch

NEW ULM — Longtime New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) President Toby Freier is transitioning to a new enterprise role of Vice President of Strategic Market Development and Outreach at Allina Health. Whitney Johnson, RN, MHA, president of Owatonna Hospital and Faribault Medical Center, will expand her role to become president of New Ulm Medical Center. These transitions will be effective July 1.

“Under Toby’s leadership, NUMC has been a model of success for our patients, physicians, employees, and communities we serve. We are grateful that Toby will bring his extensive experience with strategy and relationships to develop, prioritize, and grow Allina Health’s reach in delivering exceptional care and services,” said Dominica Tallarico, Allina Health Chief Operating Officer.

Toby Freier became president of New Ulm Medical Center in 2011. He served as an assistant administrator at New Ulm Medical Center for the five years prior.

“It has been a tremendous honor to be part of the team at New Ulm Medical Center for 19 years,” Freier said. “Reflecting on my time in New Ulm, I am proud to have worked with such an incredible group of people who value culture, teamwork and collaboration. Together, we improved facilities and expanded service offerings to best meet the care needs of the people of Southern Minnesota.

“While change can be bittersweet, I take on this new role knowing that the staff and leaders at New Ulm Medical Center are unwavering in their commitment to provide outstanding care.”

“We thank Toby for his continued leadership and are confident Whitney Johnson has the experience and compassion to continue leading New Ulm Medical Center, and the people who make it special, well into the future,” said Tallarico.

Johnson was named president of Owatonna Hospital and Faribault Medical Center in January 2024. She has been with Allina Health since 2018 and previously served as the Director of Surgical Services at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and the Director of Nursing Operations at Phillips Eye Institute.