Vibra Healthcare is pleased to welcome Derek L. Felder, MBA, MA, MSHS, FACHE, as chief executive officer of the Rehabilitation and Critical Care Hospital of the Black Hills in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Felder brings 30 years of experience to the role. Throughout his career, he has led clinics, community hospitals, regional medical centers, and military healthcare operations, with a focus on clinical quality, operational excellence, employee engagement, and strategic growth.

Felder’s healthcare leadership experience includes serving as market chief executive officer for two long-term acute care hospitals totaling 112 beds. He also served for 23 years in the United States Army as a Medical Service Corps officer. Before retiring from military service in 2019, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Since 2018, Felder has additionally served as an adjunct professor of healthcare administration at Southern New Hampshire University.

“Derek is an experienced, mission-driven healthcare executive whose leadership philosophy aligns closely with Vibra’s culture,” said Wayne Mackey, chief human resources officer for Vibra Healthcare. “His operational expertise, combined with his commitment to improving the lives of the patients, colleagues, and communities he serves, will be a tremendous asset to the hospital and the Rapid City community. We are pleased to welcome Derek to Vibra Healthcare.”

A servant leader, Felder’s leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, employee development, physician engagement, and ensuring patients and families remain at the center of every decision.

“As CEO, my vision is to build a culture where patients remain at the center of every decision, employees are empowered to succeed, and we relentlessly pursue outstanding quality outcomes,” Felder shared. “I am excited to partner with our talented team, physicians, Monument Health, and the Rapid City community as we continue advancing Vibra’s mission of changing lives through exceptional care.”

“My commitment to this work is deeply personal,” Felder added. “As a brain tumor survivor, I have experienced firsthand the impact compassionate, high-quality healthcare can have during life’s most challenging moments.”

Felder is a board-certified healthcare executive and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University, a Master of Science in Health Services with a concentration in healthcare management from Trident University, and a Bachelor of Science from Troy University. He is also a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

His additional credentials include executive leadership coaching through Georgetown University and certifications in Lean Six Sigma and alternative dispute resolution mediation. Felder is a member of the Medical Group Management Association, Healthcare Financial Management Association, Military Officers Association of America, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Beyond his professional career, Felder is dedicated to serving his community through volunteer efforts with the Charles Drew Blood Drive, Assault on Literacy, and Habitat for Humanity. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Joylove, their three adult children, family, and friends. He also enjoys fitness, playing tennis, and learning pickleball.

Please join us in welcoming Derek Felder to Vibra Healthcare, the Rehabilitation and Critical Care Hospital of the Black Hills, and the Rapid City community.