[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 13649]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BECKY NELSON

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, today I wish to 
recognize and congratulate Becky Nelson of Sioux Falls, SD for over 38 
years of service with Sanford Health.
  In 1971, Ms. Nelson graduated from Presentation College in Aberdeen, 
SD, and began her career at Dakota Midland Hospital. In 1975, Ms. 
Nelson joined Sioux Valley Hospital & Health System, which would later 
become Sanford Health. Starting as a critical care staff nurse, Ms. 
Nelson's skill and intellect launched her into clinical leadership 
positions.
  Today, Ms. Nelson is Sanford Health's senior vice president & chief 
operating officer, overseeing all patient care services provided by 
Sanford Health's northern and southern regions, encompassing parts of 
South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
  In addition to her outstanding work at Sanford Health, Ms. Nelson 
remains an active leader in the community. She has served on the First 
National Bank board of directors as well as the Boards of the 
University of Sioux Falls, Sanford Research/USD, Washington Pavilion of 
Arts and Science, and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
  Ms. Nelson's devotion to exceptional care will continue to benefit 
South Dakotans and Midwesterners long after her retirement. She is an 
exceptional role model who has a positive impact on those who cross her 
path. For example, her soon-to-be successor, Nate White, whom she is 
currently mentoring, commented, ``There isn't a day that goes by when 
there isn't something I grasp onto and say, I have to remember that.' 
`` Clearly, her excellent example resonates with her peers.
  I thank Ms. Nelson for her incalculable contributions to our 
community and wish her and her husband, Dave, all the best in 
retirement.

                          ____________________