Bethany Krom Retiring after 35 Year Career

October 29, 2014

Bethany Krom, administrator, Mayo School of Health Sciences (MSHS), says she’s an introvert at heart ― but admits hardly anyone believes it.

That’s because over her 35 years at Mayo Clinic, she has jumped into new leadership opportunities with aplomb, in research, purchasing and education. She’s active away from work, too. Krom has acted in regional theater. Her most recent gig was playing Mother Alfred Moes in Mayo Clinic’s Sesquicentennial Event. And, she is a board member for the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minnesota.

“I’ve had tremendous opportunities to do very different things,” says Krom, who is retiring from Mayo Clinic at the end of 2014.

With an undergraduate degree in chemistry and geology, she started her Mayo career in a research lab at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys campus. She transferred to the Arizona campus to help establish the research shield there. When that endeavor was delayed, she shifted into Purchasing, eventually becoming the purchasing supervisor.  After seven years in Arizona, she moved back to Rochester. She was named director for procurement at a time when Mayo had more than one million square feet of space under construction.

She was involved in the launch of AskMayoExpert, the start of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Office for Diversity, and integration efforts for the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in the Midwest.

She joined MSHS in 2004, where colleagues say she’s left an indelible mark. “Bethany is the first person that comes to mind when I think of an individual most dedicated to Mayo Clinic,” says Claire Bender, M.D., former dean of MSHS. “She exudes passion, commitment and dedication. Her whole heart is in her work for students, faculty, patients and staff.”

MSHS was “loose conglomeration” of programs when she first joined school leadership, says Krom. Working with Dr. Bender, Michael Silber, M.B., Ch.B., current dean, and the leadership team, MSHS has grown into a cohesive school, with more programs, blended learning opportunities and collaborative bachelor’s programs with the University of Minnesota Rochester. Most recently, she’s worked on the Healthcare Services Industry Council to develop more apprenticeship-like education.

Krom says her greatest contributions have been the result of making connections. “I’ve been able to put people and initiatives together, and good things have happened,” she says.

Troy Tynsky, MSHS operations manager who will follow Krom into the role of administrator, agrees. “She inspires the team and expects us to hold one another accountable to the highest standards,” he says.

In October 2014, Krom was named a Fellow in the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP.) This recognition acknowledges her contributions to promote excellence in teaching, research, service and leadership in allied health education.  “It’s a real honor,” she says. “Most fellows have been deans.”

Krom heads into retirement with a packed agenda. She’ll be working as an executive coach, based from her home in Lanesboro. She’ll be spending more time with family, including her three grandchildren. Additionally, she plans to be more involved in community activities in Lanesboro.