South Dakota Chapter

Welcome to South Dakota Chapter

President’s Welcome

As I begin my term as President of the South Dakota HFMA Chapter for 2026-2027, I am honored to serve an organization that plays such an important role in advancing healthcare leadership and financial management across our state.

My journey with HFMA began simply — as a way to stay connected to the healthcare finance colleagues I work alongside every day as an employee at Eide Bailly. Over two decades of serving hospitals, senior living communities, and rural health providers across South Dakota, I’ve seen firsthand how much the financial health of these organizations matters to the communities they serve. HFMA has been a constant companion in that work — sharpening my knowledge, expanding my network, and connecting me with professionals who share the same passion for getting healthcare finance right.

That same spirit is what I hope to bring to this chapter in the year ahead. South Dakota’s healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly — from reimbursement pressures and workforce challenges to the growing complexity facing our rural providers. Now more than ever, our members need a strong, engaged chapter that delivers practical education, meaningful peer connections, and a voice for our profession. During the year ahead, our chapter will remain focused on delivering meaningful educational programming, fostering valuable professional connections, and supporting the growth and development of current and future healthcare leaders.

This year, we will continue to focus on:

Deepening the value of membership — Delivering high-quality educational programs that address today’s most relevant healthcare finance and leadership issues.
Strengthening our rural health focus — Amplifying resources and conversations that speak directly to the unique financial challenges facing critical access hospitals and rural providers in our state.
Fortify the statewide healthcare network – Supporting a collaborative healthcare community that encourages innovation, knowledge-sharing, and professional excellence.
Investing in the next generation — continuing the important work of student engagement and mentorship that builds tomorrow’s healthcare finance leaders.

One of the greatest strengths of HFMA is its ability to bring together professionals from across the healthcare continuum to learn from one another, share perspectives, and collaborate on solutions. Whether you are a long-time member or new to HFMA, I encourage you to become actively engaged in our chapter’s events, educational offerings, and networking opportunities.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside our outstanding board members, volunteers, sponsors, and members who make this chapter successful. Together, we can continue to grow the impact of HFMA in South Dakota and provide exceptional value to our healthcare community.

I look forward to connecting with many of you throughout the year and working together to make 2026-2027 a successful and rewarding year for our chapter.

Aaron Clayton, CPA, CHFP, CGMA
SD HFMA Chapter President, 2026–2027
Partner, Eide Bailly LLP025-2026