Pete Antonson, Chief Executive Officer of Northwood Deaconess Health Center, received the Outstanding Rural Health Career Award at the 2022 Rural and Public Health Awards Banquet, which recognized outstanding North Dakota rural health and public health advocates for their accomplishments. The award honors a healthcare professional who has devoted his/her career to making significant contributions to improving healthcare in rural North Dakota. The awards banquet was held on June 9, 2022 in Grand Forks.
Antonson began working at Northwood Deaconess Health Center as a bookkeeper in 1983. He later moved into the CFO position, and then was named CEO in 2000 where he remains today. He has also made significant contributions to improving long-term care throughout the state of North Dakota. His nearly 40 years of service to the medical center, the community of Northwood and surrounding areas, and to patients in long-term care is to be admired.
“Pete’s commitment to bettering rural healthcare throughout the state will be remembered for years to come,” said Tina Schwartz, clinic manager for Northwood Deaconess Health Center.
Antonson served on the board of directors of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association from 2006-2009 and again from 2016-2020. He serves on the North Dakota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators, beginning in 2004, and continues to serve, including two terms on the board of directors.
“Pete has been a strong advocate for reasonable regulations and has been very effective and involved lobbying our federal delegation and state legislators,” said Shelly Peterson, president of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association.
Antonson has been active on the board of the North Dakota Rural Health Association, serving as treasurer for many years, and was one of the first presidents of the organization. He has been an integral member of the Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health planning committee, helping to ensure that annually continuing education and resources are available to healthcare and public health professionals.