Bryan Harkness

IRON RIVER – Bryan Harkness has joined Aspirus Health as chief administrative officer and director of nursing for Aspirus Iron River Hospital and Clinics.

Returning as a Yooper, Harkness brings more than 13 years of health care experience, including 10 years of progressive health care leadership experience, according to an Aspirus Health news release. He began his career working with patients as a registered nurse. His skills and knowledge quickly earned him leadership roles first within nursing and then overall operations.

“We’re excited to welcome Bryan to the team,” said Natalie Seaber, Michigan Region president. “His broad experience in rural health care operations, fiscal management and nursing relations will help us continue to grow and strengthen our communities. Having a visible, engaged leader like Bryan is invaluable, and I’m thrilled he’s chosen to join Aspirus.”

Most recently, Harkness was the chief nursing officer at Ottumwa Regional Health Center in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he led service line growth and development in a rural setting similar to the Upper Peninsula.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to the U.P. and serve the communities that mean so much to me,” said Harkness. “I’m excited to help advance health care quality and accessibility across the region and support the dedicated teams working every day to make a difference for our patients and families.”

Harkness is a graduate of Northern Michigan University with a bachelor of science in nursing and a master of business administration.

For more information about Aspirus Iron River Hospital and Clinics, go to aspirus.org.

Aspirus Health is a nonprofit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wis., that serves northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The health system operates 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians.