Leadership Team at Langdon Prairie Health

Langdon Prairie Health is operated as a nonprofit corporation with a board of directors elected by the people of the hospital's service area.

The LPH Leadership Team

Darla Roder

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer

Darla joined Langdon Prairie Hospital in 2004. As COO, Darla oversees daily hospital operations, human resources decisions, and manages the administration of the many departments at LPH. Darla lives the healthcare system’s values, serving as an example for everyone at LPH, and makes sure all staff members bring integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence to work each day. She was selected to receive the Outstanding Rural Health Professional Award in 2023, granted by the Center for Rural Health, for her demonstrated leadership in the delivery of rural health services and unselfish commitment to making an impact on her community. In her free time, Darla enjoys spending time at the lake and with her husband and family.

Michelle Skillings

Director of Nursing

Michelle joined Langdon Prairie Hospital in April 2023 as Chief Nursing Officer. As CNO, Michelle provides leadership to the entire nursing team at LPH, and since starting in her role, has helped take LPH to the next level of patient care. Michelle has a clear understanding of rural hospitals and utilizes her expertise to benefit LPH, improve patients’ lives, and support the community. She draws upon her unique skills and former experience with rural hospitals and critical-access facilities to ensure high-quality management and care for all patients at LPH. Michelle also excels at managing emergency care, ICU care, dementia/Alzheimer’s care, discharge planning, and more. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, antiquing, and riding motorcycles.

Margaret Fontana, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Margaret joined our team in 2021. With more than 25 years of experience in financial management, operations restructuring and regulatory compliance, Margaret brings diverse expertise and a proven track record of success earned at some of the nation’s top independent critical access hospitals. As CFO, Margaret is responsible for all aspects of finance, revenue cycle, and materials management. Margaret comes to LPH from Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport, North Carolina where she was employed for more than five years. Making the leap from N.C. to N.D. was a big one that she was proud to make. Under her direction as CFO, the hospital has planned conversions in the finance and payroll software systems, and she has provided hands-on support for her departments. Outside of the office, Margaret enjoys travel, scuba diving, camping, genealogy and FaceTiming with her children and grandchildren in North Carolina.

Dr. Rory Ratzlaff

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Rory Ratzlaff grew up in Langdon and is serving as the Chief Medical Officer for Langdon Prairie Health. With his bachelor's degree in Nursing from UND and his master's degree in Public Health from St. George's University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, this foundation provides for his servant leadership style and compassionate care to patients and families. Many family members are also passionate members of the LPH Team and he is proud to be back home caring for his community and leading great healthcare staff for Cavalier County.

Department Leaders

Ambulance Director – Joseph “Chris” Sanders
Business Office Manager – Marcia Jennings
Clinic – Maria Eisenzimmer
Credentialing – Sarah Mikkelsen
Diabetic Education/Wellness – Amber Albrecht
Dietary – Deb Jonasson
Dietitian – Brenna Swanson
Infection Control – Dawn Christianson
Human Resources – Linda Benoit
Laboratory – Dr. Kevin Tyler
Nursing Leadership Team – Dawn Christianson and Jessica Tank
Outpatient Procedures – Dawn Christianson
Pharmacy – Catherine Taylor
Purchasing/Materials Management – Suzan “Jan” McDowell
Radiology – Pat Bredeson
Rehabilitation Services – Sarah Badding
 

Board of Directors

Jay DuBois – President
Kathryn Kopf – Vice President
Sherry Buchweitz – Secretary
Steve Hart – Treasurer
Runa Anderson
Stephen Parkes
Chyrisse Regehr

Download current Langdon Prairie Health bylaws

Board Member Job Description

Nomination Form for Board of Trustees - Submit to Sarah Mikkelsen at sarah.mikkelsen@lph.hospital