Professional Role and Responsibilities
Keith Horner currently serves as Director of Pharmacy, Clinical Informatics, and Lab at CHI St. Alexius Health, based in Bismarck, North Dakota. He has held this director-level position since 2020, overseeing the integration and management of pharmacy services alongside clinical informatics and laboratory operations within the health system. Prior to this, he held various leadership roles at CHI St. Alexius Health, including:
- Director of Pharmacy, Clinical Informatics, Radiology, and Lab (2017–2020)
- Director of Pharmacy and Clinical Informatics (2012–2017)
- Director of Pharmacy Services (2002–2012)
- Assistant Director of Pharmacy (1998–2002)
- Clinical Pharmacist (1994–1998)
This reflects over 31 years of continuous experience at CHI St. Alexius Health, with more than 20 years in director-level roles managing multiple departments and fostering cross-functional integration across the healthcare system.
Leadership and Strategic Impact
Keith Horner is recognized as a mission-driven, patient-focused, and innovative leader with a proven record in developing collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholders including physicians, healthcare executives, partners within the local and regional healthcare ecosystem, as well as community and state institutions. His leadership efforts actively support the CHI St. Alexius Health service area's alignment with the broader CommonSpirit Health system, which spans nationally.
His role spans clinical pharmacy management, informatics innovations, and laboratory service oversight, positioning him at a critical nexus for healthcare delivery innovation and data-driven clinical operations. The emphasis on clinical informatics indicates involvement in leveraging technology-driven solutions to optimize pharmaceutical care and laboratory integration.
Educational Background
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) – North Dakota State University
- Master of Public Administration (MPA), Health/Health Care Administration/Management – University of North Dakota
- Bachelor of Science (BS) – North Dakota State University
- Associate of Science (AS), Pre-Pharmacy Studies – Bismarck State College
His educational credentials blend clinical pharmacy expertise with advanced public administration knowledge, supporting strategic leadership in healthcare management and health system operations.
Location and Professional Network
- Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, United States.
- Maintains an active professional network on LinkedIn with 59 connections and 73 followers, indicating visibility and engagement within professional circles.
- Connected with healthcare industry leaders, local community stakeholders, and clinical partners.
Organizational and Community Involvement
Keith maintains ongoing involvement with local and statewide institutions, engaging in numerous volunteer activities that reinforce CHI St. Alexius Health’s community commitment. This demonstrates a blend of operational leadership with external stakeholder engagement prominent in regional healthcare and community health initiatives.
Relevant Context on CHI St. Alexius Health
- CHI St. Alexius Health is a not-for-profit acute care medical center with a strong reputation for clinical excellence, customer satisfaction, and high-quality patient care.
- The organization is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2025, underscoring its long-standing presence and commitment to healthcare services in the region.
- The health system is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States, enhancing resource-sharing, network collaboration, and integrated care delivery across states.
- CHI St. Alexius has been recognized for numerous awards related to clinical excellence and customer satisfaction, positioning it as a leading regional healthcare provider.
Notable Initiatives and Public Commentary
- Keith Horner has publicly acknowledged the value of the CHI network in supporting healthcare facilities with resource sharing and operational collaboration, reflective of his commitment to leveraging system-wide advantages.
- He has commented on operational challenges such as IV bag shortages, advocating for solutions such as supply rotation to ensure continuity in patient care.
- His direction in pharmacy services engages with opioid prescription management programs, participating in regional efforts addressing pain management and substance use challenges, exhibiting leadership in responsible pharmaceutical stewardship.
Key Professional Attributes
- Over three decades of healthcare experience at a single regional health system, demonstrating strong institutional knowledge and stability.
- Comprehensive portfolio managing pharmacy, informatics, laboratory, and radiology services, highlighting cross-departmental integration skills.
- Strategic collaborator with a sustained record of relationships across physicians, healthcare executives, and community partners.
- Advanced education in both clinical pharmacy and healthcare administration supports informed decision-making at operational and executive levels.
Digital Presence
- LinkedIn profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-horner-86b71042](https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-horner-86b71042)
- Profile includes professional photograph and detailed career history, supporting credibility and contact transparency.
This detailed profile of Keith Horner presents him as a high-level executive with deep operational expertise in pharmacy and clinical informatics at CHI St. Alexius Health, underscored by a strong commitment to integrated patient care and community health leadership. His long tenure and multi-department oversight make him a pivotal figure in shaping clinical service delivery and leveraging healthcare system synergies in the Bismarck region and beyond.
