Kari Wald-Gales

Kari Wald-Gales has a diverse work experience in the healthcare industry. Kari started their career at Avera Heart Hospital of SD as a Registered Nurse/First Assist in the OR and Cath Lab from July 2002 to January 2009. Kari then worked as a Specialty Nurse Cardiovascular at Sanford Health from January 2009 to August 2011. From there, they moved on to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, where they served as the Director of Cardiac Cath Lab, Cardiac Rehab, and Vascular Services, overseeing budgetary, financial, and policy and procedure initiatives. Kari is currently employed in Same-Day Surgical Services and Wound Care for outpatient procedures at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. In addition to their healthcare roles, Kari also had a stint as a Clinical Specialist Vascular Devices at Medtronic Vascular from November 2013 to 2015 and worked in Pharmaceutical Sales at Forrest Pharmaceuticals in 2008.

Kari Wald-Gales completed their Bachelor's degree in Biology, Nursing, and Sports Medicine from Dakota Wesleyan University in the years 1994 to 1998. Kari then pursued a Master's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Health Care Administration at the University of South Dakota from 2005 to 2014. Following that, they obtained a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing from South Dakota State University, which they completed from 2014 to 2022. It is also mentioned that Kari Wald-Gales attended Mitchell Senior High School from 1990 to 1994; however, no specific degree or field of study is provided for this institution. Additionally, it is noted that they pursued a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Health/Health Care Administration/Management at the University of South Dakota, although the specific dates of enrollment are unknown.