Carisa Buegler named new director of New Ulm Medical Center.

NEW ULM — Carisa Buegler has been named the new president of New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC).

Buegler served as the interim director of NUMC for the last month following the departure of previous director Whitney Johnson, who was promoted to vice president of Operations at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

“I am so excited,” Buegler said of her new role. “We have a pretty amazing team here and to think I will be representing them, our caregivers, our providers and providing exceptional healthcare to our region is amazing. It is something I do not take lightly.”

Buegler worked at NUMC for more than 20 years in several leadership roles. Most recently, she served as the director of operations, where she helped guide long�’term planning, oversaw major building updates, supported staff engagement and led clinical and support service teams. She supported the opening of the Springfield and Lamberton clinics in 2020. Before she was the director of operations, she served as NUMC’s director of Foundation and Community Engagement, where she led major fundraising projects, built community partnerships and supported local health improvement efforts.

Buegler’s connection to NUMC actually goes back to her birth. She was born at the medical center, giving her a personal connection to the place she now leads. She graduated from New Ulm High School and earned a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Science in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota.

“Carisa’s deep experience, strong vision and lifelong commitment to this community make her the right leader for New Ulm Medical Center,” said Josh Shepherd, Market President of Allina Health Regional Hospitals. “Her teamwork�’focused approach and dedication to improving rural health care will help NUMC continue to grow and innovate.”

Since returning to her home town, Buegler has been active in many community groups, including the New Ulm Area Foundation, City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission, ISD#88 and New Ulm Rotary.

Buegler said through her involvement, she developed strong roots in the community, which includes Springfield and Lamberton which are part of the Allina Healthcare system along with NUMC.

She thanked the many mentors at NUMC who helped her along the way. Buegler also thanked the medical center advisory board and physician leaders in selecting her for the directors position.

“I am ecstatic to get started,” Buegler said.