Brian Dieter, president and CEO of Mary Greeley Medical Center, has announced his retirement from the leadership position he’s held since July 2008. Before becoming president and CEO, Dieter was the medical center’s chief financial officer for nine years.

Dieter plans to retire in early August.

“A true leader leaves an organization in better shape than when he joined it. Brian has absolutely accomplished that,” Ken McCuskey, chair of the Mary Greeley board of trustees, said in a news release. “During his 17 years as President and CEO, Brian has guided Mary Greeley through a period of significant growth both in terms of the services we provide patients and the facilities where those services are offered. Just as importantly, he has helped Mary Greeley achieve a level of financial stability that is almost unheard of in modern day health care.”

Mary Greeley serves patients in a 14-county region of Central Iowa and employs more than 1,400 people. During Dieter’s tenure as CEO, Mary Greeley saw growth in a range of services, including surgical care, mental health services, obstetrics and emergency care. The hospital went through several significant facility improvements, including a new inpatient tower, new emergency department and advanced units for mental health care and obstetrics care.

Dieter also deepened Mary Greeley’s relationship with McFarland Clinic, and encouraged relationships with other Central Iowa health care organizations, the release said. Recently, Mary Greeley and McFarland partnered on the Ames Surgery Center, Story County’s first outpatient surgery center.

The medical center has received a range of recognitions with Dieter including the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2019 and Magnet designation in 2019 and 2024. Baldrige is the nation’s leading measurement of quality improvement, while Magnet is the nation’s top recognition of nursing quality.

Dieter recently received the Harry S. Hertz Leadership Award from the Baldrige Foundation, which recognizes role-model leaders that challenge, encourage and empower others to achieve performance excellence.

Dieter has represented the medical center at local and state organizations, including the Iowa Hospital Association, Ames Economic Development Commission, Iowa Healthcare Collaborative and United Way of Story County.

“Brian Dieter leaves an amazing legacy at Mary Greeley, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality health care for the people of central Iowa,” McCuskey said.

The board of trustees is expected to announce Dieter’s successor within the coming weeks.