Michael DeFoe knows numbers. After more than 25 years in rural health care finance, he also knows that numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.
“We can talk numbers all we want, but we have to know why those particular numbers and what they are driven by,” DeFoe said. “Data only gets us so far, but having all the information that drives that data, now that’s the benefit.”
That philosophy comes with more than 25 years of rural health care finance experience, including 21 years in critical access settings. DeFoe joins Greene County Medical Center at the end of this month as chief financial officer (CFO), bringing leadership experience from rural health organizations in Nebraska, Illinois and North Dakota.
Most recently, DeFoe served as CFO of Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, NE. During his tenure, the organization increased revenue by 55 percent to more than $45 million, grew its net position by 42 percent, and eliminated long-term debt. DeFoe holds a Bachelor of Accounting from Cameron University and an MBA in healthcare administration from the University of Mary. He is also a United States Army veteran who served as an interrogator and strategic debriefer with the 19th Military Intelligence Battalion.
Greene County Medical Center CEO Chad Butterfield said DeFoe’s experience is a strong addition to the medical center’s leadership team. “Michael understands rural healthcare and the importance of making thoughtful decisions today that support our ability to serve our communities tomorrow,” he said. “His experience, perspective and collaborative approach will be valuable as we continue to grow, adapt and work toward a strong, sustainable future for Greene County Medical Center.”
For DeFoe, collaboration is central to solving the complex challenges facing rural health care. “I am a firm believer that the best answer is in the room,” he said. “When we have a challenging question, let’s try to get as many folks as we can that are aligned with what that challenge is at that moment. And, if we can get the people together, generally, the solution is in the room.”
His interest in rural health care started in Hettinger, ND, where he grew up just four miles from the South Dakota border. His father was a banker and his mother a kindergarten teacher. Rural life meant hunting and fishing but also learning to make things work when the nearest big box store was an hour and a half away.
After earning his accounting degree, DeFoe initially went to work for a car dealership. But six weeks later, his father suggested another path. “He said, ‘How about healthcare? It’s always going to be here, it’s going to be a need,’” DeFoe explained. That advice launched a career and a commitment to rural health and the people who make it possible. “You are taking care of family, friends, those you already know,” he said. “And so, the people that provide that safe, quality, compassionate care are really the driving force of these rural communities.”
As he begins his new role at Greene County Medical Center, DeFoe said he plans to listen before he starts solving. “It’s going to come back to me sitting down, being quiet and learning from our team about their challenges,” he said. “I am looking forward to meeting everybody and going beyond the professional side and getting to know them personally as well.”
DeFoe and his wife have three children and two young granddaughters. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and spending time outdoors. He also describes himself as approachable with an appreciation for a little sarcasm.
