New administrator takes reigns at CMHC

Steve Ziller may be new to Hartley, but the Minnesota man is starting to feel right at home "down south."

Ziller took over as administrator of Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley on April 26. He comes from Pine Island, Minn., where he led a longterm care facility for 16 years. He also served in the top role at a facility in Trimont, Minn., prior to his previous job.

Ziller has liked what he's seen so far at CMHC.

"There is some nice longevity with staff and there are nice, traditional things they do," he said. "They take a lot of pride in the facility. They are proud of it being in the community."

Ziller learned of the job in Hartley through a friend in the industry and decided to apply. Though a native of the North, Ziller is familiar with northwest Iowa. His three children are active in showing animals and they've been frequent visitors to the Clay County Fair in Spencer.

"I like the area," he said.

Ziller's main focus so far is getting acquainted with CMHC employees, residents and their families. The COVID-19 pandemic has consumed the attention of longterm care staff in the past two years, and Ziller is hoping to increase activities at the facility as much as possible while still navigating through safety protocols.

"Other than with COVID-19, you can do a lot of things in longterm care," he said. "I truly believe longterm care can be very enjoyable for residents and their families to keep them active. I don't think it's anyone's goal to make it into longterm care, but if they are here, you can make life enjoyable and exciting."

Ziller is currently working at CMHC Monday through Wednesday. Once one of his daughters graduates later this spring, he will transition into a full-time role.

Ziller is eager to meet members of the community in the coming weeks and months. He said he has been active with groups like the Chamber of Commerce and other service organizations in the past, and he looked forward to becoming a familiar face in Hartley.

"The staff and residents here are kind folks. The board is very caring and proud about the facility and very upbeat," he said. "It's fun to be a part of a community at work. I'm excited to get going."