COVID-19 has created a turbulent workplace for many Sanford employees, including the CEO. In charge of overseeing much of the company itself, while in turn, being a key face for Sanford, it is a challenging workload. 

Although Kelby Krabbenhoft, Sanford’s former CEO, was more than qualified for the position, COVID-19 has thrown the entire company for a loop. This virus is nowhere in the job description and has more than likely, created a conflict for all Sanford departments. 

The chaos and conflict was only intensified by the turmoil between the Sanford employees, the company itself and their previous CEO, Kelby Krabbenhoft. 

On Nov. 18, Krabbenhoft issued an email to the Sanford employees with the intent to explain his opinion on masks. After recovering from COVID-19, Krabbenhoft believed he was safe from both spreading the virus, and contracting it, which led to the subject of his email: mask-wearing, or more specifically, not wearing a mask. 

Many have questioned if this email is truly the subject of his removal, after Sanford issued a news release on Nov. 24, stating that the healthcare institution and Krabbenhoft have “mutually agreed to part ways.” 

The separation itself seems rather peaceful. Both the company and Krabbenhoft issued relatively supportive statements. 

“Sanford is in a good place, strongest ever,” said Krabbenhoft. “Now was a good time to retire… It’s Thanksgiving week and almost exactly 25 years since my family came here.” 

In response, Sanford issued their own statement, in regards to the years of hard work Krabbenhoft has provided to the company. 

“Kelby’s impact on the organization and the communities it serves will be felt for generations to come,” said Brent Teiken, Board of Trustees Chair.