Deb Koski
Chief Philanthropy Officer, CFRE
giving for good bemidji
For patients at the Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center, the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and beyond, your generosity makes all the difference. Together, we’re powering new insights, driving breakthroughs and providing patients and families with world-class, comprehensive care close to home in the Bemidji region. We’re saving more lives thanks to the addition of the new PET/CT digital imaging system at the Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center and the regions first Mobile Mammography Unit.
Last year, we put over $3.2 million in philanthropic gifts to work across the Bemidji region. Read more in the 2024 annual report.
Local Priorities
Philanthropy is an integral part of the care provided at Sanford Health. The Sanford Health Foundation in the Bemidji region plays a crucial role in supporting specific programming for patients and staff, upgrading essential equipment, and funding special projects tailored to meet the needs of our communities.
Leadership Connection
A region update from Karla Eischens, president & CEO of Sanford Bemidji.
July 31, 2025
With gratitude and optimism for the future, I’m excited to share that I have announced my decision to retire from my position as president and CEO for the Bemidji region at the end of the year.
Over the past 21 years at Sanford Health, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various roles -from pharmacist to chief operations officer. Each chapter has been professionally rewarding and personally meaningful, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made – thanks in large part to the generosity and kindness of friends like you.
I’m especially thankful for the friendships I’ve formed, including with you – our generous donors – whose support has made a lasting impact. As I look forward to spending more time with family, I’ll carry these memories with me.
In the coming months, I’ll be working closely with Jason Caron, MD as he steps into the role of president and CEO for Bemidji beginning on January 1, 2026. A native of Guthrie, Minnesota, Dr. Caron is an extraordinary physician, a visionary leader and passionate champion for rural health care. He’s so well-suited for this role, and I’m excited to see all the ways our region will move forward under his leadership. I know he’s excited to connect with all of you as well.
Our family will remain here in Bemidji, and I’ll continue to champion Sanford Health even in retirement, so I’m certain our paths will continue to cross. Until we meet again, please know how grateful I am for your support and friendship over the years. I look forward to working alongside you in the coming years as we continue to advance care for our region.
With gratitude,
Karla Eischens
Bemidji’s Signature Events
Below are a few of the signature events we host in the Bemidji region. To see more events in Bemidji, visit our calendar.
Get Involved through Fundraising
At Sanford Health, our doctors, researchers and caregivers are working to bring health, hope and healing to more than 1.2 million people across the Upper Midwest. With you on our team, we can accelerate our race to uncover new breakthroughs, develop new treatments and create meaningful programs that support patients and their families.
Launch your fundraiser in the Bemidji region and inspire others to give for good today!
Bemidji Team
Amy Hinkemeyer
Vice President – Fargo & Bemidji
Emily Aitken-MaGaurn
Senior Development Officer – Bemidji
Stephanie Skaret
Development Specialist – Bemidji
Sally Corser
Philanthropy Officer – Bemidji
Bemidji Board Members
Chair
Joseph Corser, MD
Sanford Health – Emergency Room Physician
Vice Chair
Gretchen Knutson
Delta Dental Plan of Minnesota – Vice President Customer Service
Secretary / Treasurer
Bruce Bentfield
First National Bank Bemidji – Commercial Loan Officer / Indirect Lending Division Manager
Jake Bluhm
Bluhm Insurance Agency, Inc. – State Farm Insurance Agent
Karla Eischens
Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota – President
Mike Fogelson
Up North Sports – Business Owner
Tim Dondelinger
Dondelinger Chevrolet Buick GMC – Business Owner
Dr. John Hoffman
Bemidji State University – President
Jared Pink
TruStar Federal Credit Union – Vice President
Give for Bemidji
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