Critical access hospitals play a vital role in delivering around-the-clock emergency care to rural and underserved communities. Leading these essential institutions are executives with deep expertise in expanding service lines, recruiting and retaining providers, and forging strategic partnerships that strengthen care delivery and community access.
The CEOs recognized on this list are steadfast in their commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and financial sustainability. Through thoughtful leadership, they ensure their hospitals remain trusted community resources. They bring essential services close to home, attract top physicians, and collaborate with larger health systems to enhance care capabilities.
Note: Becker’s Healthcare developed this list based on nominations and editorial research. Leaders do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion on this list. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of the leaders or organizations mentioned. Leaders are presented in alphabetical order. We extend a special thank you to Rhoda Weiss for her contributions to this list.
Contact Anna Falvey at afalvey@beckershealthcare.com with questions or comments.
Brett Altman, PhD. CEO at Cass Health (Atlantic, Iowa). Dr. Altman serves as CEO of Cass Health, providing executive leadership with 24-hour accountability for planning, operations, provider recruitment and mission alignment across the organization. Under his leadership, Cass County Memorial Hospital was rebranded as Cass Health in 2021, reflecting a broader, integrated approach to rural healthcare delivery. The organization has recruited more than 80 providers in fewer than eight years, significantly expanding access to primary and specialty care across southwest Iowa. Cass Health has nearly doubled patient volume and market share during Dr. Altman’s tenure while maintaining strong financial discipline. From 2020 to 2023, the organization completed a $20 million facility remodel funded entirely through operating revenue, without incurring debt or using reserves. Cass Health has been named a “Top 20 Critical Access Hospital” by the National Rural Health Association every year since 2021 and was designated a rural hospital center of excellence by Iowa’s governor in 2023 for maternal health outreach to neighboring counties.
Angela Ammons. CEO of Clinch Memorial Hospital (Homerville, Ga.). As CEO, Ms. Ammons has brought stability to Clinch Memorial Hospital despite threats of closure and financial issues. She has implemented innovative strategies that led to the expansion of telemedicine services, enhanced critical care, and established partnerships with larger healthcare networks. Her work has helped ensure that the community has access to top-tier medical services. These efforts have led to the hospital’s financial turnaround, an increase in patient satisfaction, and the retention of crucial healthcare services in a region where access is often limited.
Tammy Anderer, PhD, MSN. Chief Administrative Officer of Geisinger’s North-Central and Western Pennsylvania Regions. Dr. Anderer leads all operations at Geisinger Jersey Shore (Pa.) Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital in the north-central region of the state. The hospital is a designated advanced primary stroke center and level 4 trauma center. She also oversees Geisinger Medical Center Muncy (Pa.), Geisinger Lewistown (Pa.) Hospital and other regional outpatient facilities. She is a board-certified nurse practitioner who continues to practice clinically in emergency medicine. Dr. Anderer has an extensive background in clinic, health plan and hospital operations, which she pairs with a deep passion for community engagement and outreach. She was a key partner in the development of a regional mobile food pantry to address food insecurity needs. She also frequently champions community initiatives, including agricultural safety, trauma education, preventive health screenings and overall access to healthcare.
John Ayoub. CEO of Mobridge (S.D.) Regional Hospital and Clinics. Mr. Ayoub is CEO of Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics, where he oversees the 25-bed critical access hospitals as well as four rural health clinics, an assisted living and senior living facility, and a specialty clinic. Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics serves as the largest employer in Mobridge and Walworth County, S.D., with over 190 staff members. Under Mr. Ayoub’s leadership, the organization was recognized by The Chartis Group as one of the top 100 critical access hospitals in 2024.
Manuela “Manny” Banner, RN. President and CEO of Memorial Community Hospital and Health System (Blair, Neb.). As president and CEO of Memorial Community Hospital and Health System, Ms. Banner oversees all operations, ensuring high-quality healthcare for the rural community. She leads strategic initiatives, manages financial performance and ensures regulatory compliance. Her role involves collaboration with medical staff, board members and community stakeholders to improve patient care and expand services. Under her leadership, the hospital has focused on fostering a positive organizational culture, driving innovation and addressing rural healthcare challenges. Ms. Banner is also active in community engagement and healthcare advocacy at both state and national levels. Previously, she served as CEO of Harlan County Health System in Alma, Neb., from 2013 to 2018.
Kristi Barnd. CEO at Henry County Hospital (Napoleon, Ohio). Ms. Barnd serves as CEO of Henry County Hospital, guiding strategy, operations, financial stewardship, quality, compliance and technology adoption for an independent community provider. She led the successful implementation of Meditech’s cloud-based solution, building a structured approach to preparation, communication and engagement that improved provider experience and reduced change-management anxiety. In a 2024 KLAS Arch Collaborative report, Henry County Hospital’s EHR physician satisfaction ranked in the 95th percentile overall. The implementation also strengthened care coordination, patient engagement and operational efficiency across the organization. Ms. Barnd is recognized for disciplined financial management that has supported stability despite broader pressures on independent hospitals. A longtime leader at the organization since 2010, she previously served as COO and held roles spanning risk, compliance, safety and quality improvement. She co-chairs the Ohio Hospital Association’s Northwest Ohio Quality Collaborative, serves as a state examiner for Ohio’s “Partnership for Excellence” program, and is active in community boards and civic organizations.
Steve Barnett, DHA, CRNA. President and CEO at McKenzie Health System (Sandusky, Mich.). Dr. Barnett has served as president and CEO of McKenzie Health System since 2008, leading strategy, operations and financial sustainability for a rural health system in Michigan’s Thumb region. Drawing on clinical experience in respiratory care, nursing and anesthesia, he has expanded local access to family and surgical medicine to reduce unnecessary transfers for rural patients. He is known for advancing collaborative partnerships across the region, strengthening care coordination and shared sustainability among rural providers. Under his leadership, McKenzie Health System has maintained and grown essential service lines while navigating workforce and reimbursement pressures. Dr. Barnett emphasizes daily engagement with physicians, staff and community stakeholders to keep the organization mission-driven and patient-centered. His tenure has positioned the system as a stable, collaborative model for rural healthcare delivery.
Kara Besst. President and CEO at Gritman Medical Center (Moscow, Idaho). Ms. Besst serves as president and CEO of a 25-bed critical access hospital and multi-county clinic network supporting approximately 150,000 patient visits annually. Over more than three decades at the organization, she advanced from accountant to CFO to CEO, bringing deep institutional knowledge and financial discipline to system growth. Under her leadership, the medical center significantly expanded primary care and specialty services, including general surgery, orthopedics and urology. She has also built strategic partnerships, including collaborations with competing hospitals, to bring oncology, neurology, and ear, nose and throat services to rural communities across the Palouse region. The organization has received multiple awards for quality, safety and organ donation. Ms. Besst serves as immediate past chair of the Idaho Hospital Association board and as a member of the American Hospital Association’s rural health services committee.
Barry Bloom. CEO of Jeff Davis Hospital (Hazlehurst, Ga.). As CEO of Jeff Davis Hospital, Mr. Bloom provides strategic leadership and promotes community responsibility, collaboration and patient-centric care within the organization. In 2020, he was recognized by HomeTown Health as a 2020 “Hospital Leader of the Year” for his innovation, leadership, and commitment to his employees and community. Prior to working with Jeff Davis Hospital, Mr. Bloom was the vice president of physicians and informational services at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga.
Rolland “Boomer” Bojo, Jr. President and CEO of UHS Delaware Valley Hospital (Walton, N.Y.). Mr. Bojo serves as CEO of UHS Delaware Valley Hospital, where he leads the hospital’s financial success, growth and care access improvement efforts. Since becoming CEO in 2021, he has expanded the inpatient unit and introduced new services for the community, while fostering a compassionate workplace culture that has contributed to long-term staff retention. A former nurse who started his career at Delaware Valley in 1995, Mr. Bojo takes a hands-on leadership approach, often working closely with the emergency room nursing team. His background includes previous service as vice president of patient care services and CNO at Catskill (N.Y.) Regional Medical Center. He is currently active in the local community as a member and past chief of a fire department.
Heather Bomstad, MSN, RN. President at OSF HealthCare Saint Clare Medical Center and OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center (Princeton and Mendota, Ill.). Ms. Bomstad was named president of OSF HealthCare Saint Clare Medical Center and OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center in May 2025. In this role, she provides executive leadership for both hospitals, aligning local operations with the broader strategy of Peoria, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare while overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care. She is responsible for fostering a collaborative, integrated culture that supports both staff and patients while advancing safety, quality and operational performance. Ms. Bomstad most recently served as vice president and CNO for OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, Ill. and OSF Saint Paul Medical Center, a role she has held since 2018, and additionally served as interim vice president and CNO for OSF Saint Clare beginning in January 2025. She joined OSF HealthCare in 1997 and has held a range of clinical and leadership roles, bringing deep organizational knowledge and a strong clinical foundation to her leadership.
Eric Briesemeister. CEO of UnityPoint Health—Jones Regional Medical Center (Anamosa, Iowa). Mr. Briesemeister has served as the CEO of UnityPoint Health—Jones Regional Medical Center since 2010, overseeing seven clinics, a critical access hospital and an ambulance service. Under his leadership, the medical center has been recognized eight times as one of the top 100 critical access hospitals by Chartis. Mr. Briesemeister successfully spearheaded a $10.3 million hospital expansion in 2014, addressing the growing healthcare needs of the community. He has also navigated the financial challenges of running a rural hospital, including during the Covid-19 pandemic, and positioned the medical center as a model for similar hospitals. Additionally, he serves as director of the Cedar Rapids Regional Network at UnityPoint Health and has been active as board chair of the Iowa Donor Network, fostering community and healthcare partnerships across the region.
Wyatt Brieser. CEO at Hammond-Henry Hospital (Geneseo, Ill.). Mr. Brieser was named CEO of Hammond-Henry Hospital in July 2025, assuming leadership of the critical access hospital as it approaches its 125th anniversary in 2026. He began his career at Hammond-Henry in 2009 as a rehab tech and advanced through a series of leadership roles, including physical therapist, long-term care living center manager, director of ancillary services and vice president of operations. In his executive roles, Mr. Brieser has been instrumental in recruiting new physicians and expanding service lines such as neurology, chiropractic care and pain management, with plans underway to add rheumatology and an employed orthopedic surgeon. He oversaw major capital and infrastructure projects, including upgrades to MRI, fluoroscopy and 3D mammography equipment, and a $1 million laboratory remodel completed in 2023. Mr. Brieser also led the hospital’s long-term care living center through the Covid-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2021. A strong advocate for community engagement, he is active in local athletic training initiatives and civic organizations. He was recognized as a 2024 Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network “4 Under 40” hospital leadership award recipient.
Ben Bucher. CEO of Towner County Medical Center (Cando, N.D.). Mr. Bucher has served as CEO of Towner County Medical Center since 2015. The hospital is a full-service rural health clinic offering specialty care in orthopedics, nephrology, cardiology, oncology, OB/GYN and more. In 2025, the medical center was recognized by the National Rural Health Association as a top 20 critical access hospital. In addition to his role as CEO, Mr. Bucher is also a family nurse practitioner specializing in emergency room, clinic and hospital medicine, providing specialty care in dermatology procedures, joint injections and chronic disease treatment.
Rob Carnahan, RN, MSN. CEO of Banner Churchill Community Hospital (Fallon, Nev.). With 27 years in nursing and 23 in leadership, Mr. Carnahan leads the 25-bed Banner Churchill Community Hospital, which serves a Western Nevada population of 45,000 with over 300 employees and 40 active physicians and allied health professionals. Among his accomplishments are opening a second emergency medical services station, recruiting additional primary care physicians, and expanding patient services for quicker access to care for the growing population. He decreased employee turnover, vacancy rate and contract labor. As CEO for the last eight years, he has fostered an environment of financial stability. In addition to his facility work, his accomplishments have been recognized at the system, state and national levels. He led efforts to earn Banner’s “Best of the Best” award for quality, learning and finance, as well as a HealthInsight quality award. He helped achieve Healthgrades “A” rating and a 4-star rating for patient experience and quality. Banner Churchill ranked in the top three “Great Places to Work” out of 32 Banner hospitals over the past seven years, and most recently achieved the top ranking. Under his leadership, the hospital appears in the top 10th percentile nationally in employee opinion surveys in leadership effectiveness, job satisfaction, engagement, culture, retention, commitment and trust.
Karen Cheeseman. CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System (St. Ignace, Mich.). Ms. Cheeseman has served as CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System, a 15-bed hospital with an emergency medical center and outpatient surgery center, since 2017. She has spent more than nearly two decades with Mackinac Straits and serves on the Michigan Health and Hospital Association small and rural council.
Kym Clift. CEO at TriState Health (Clarkston, Wash.). Ms. Clift serves as CEO of TriState Health, leading a 25-bed critical access hospital and multi-site system that serves a 10-county region across three states and employs about 650 people. She is accountable to a 13-member board for operational and financial performance in a high-volume rural setting, with an average inpatient census reported at 300% above the state average for critical access hospitals. Under her leadership, TriState built a new 60,000-square-foot inpatient wing and raised $9 million in philanthropy within 12 months to support the expansion. She also drove improvements in patient experience, while increasing gross revenue 53% and improving total margin by 400% through service line growth, revenue cycle initiatives and operational efficiencies. Ms. Clift modernized core diagnostic capacity by replacing CT, MRI and 3D mammography equipment and adding a second CT, funded through federal appropriations and philanthropy. She strengthened the workforce pipeline through a high school certified nursing assistant program with a local community college, and reduced employee turnover by 32% by advancing Just Culture and team-based training initiatives.
Matt Dammeyer. CEO of Memorial Hospital of Converse County (Douglas, Wyo.). Mr. Dammeyer, CEO of Memorial Hospital of Converse County, oversees a 25-bed critical access hospital, multiple rural health clinics, and the recently acquired 24-bed Summit Medical Center in Casper, Wyo. Despite challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Dammeyer led the hospital through with no layoffs and maintained a positive profit margin. He spearheaded the acquisition of Summit Medical Center in 2022, a controversial move aimed at securing Memorial Hospital’s independence while expanding services for communities in eastern Wyoming. Mr. Dammeyer is committed to improving staff wellbeing, personally redirecting part of his salary to raise the hospital’s minimum wage. He prioritizes both the hospital’s strategic growth and the financial stability of its employees.
Jeremy P. Davis. CEO at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics (La Grande, Ore.). Mr. Davis has served as CEO at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics since 2018, leading an independent rural health system through significant growth, transformation and the largest facility expansion in its history. A native of Eastern Oregon, he combines local roots with national leadership experience to advance access, workforce recruitment and long-term sustainability for underserved communities. Under his leadership, the organization has remained mission-driven while expanding facilities and strengthening provider recruitment in a rural setting. He has been recognized nationally with the American College of Healthcare Executives’ “Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award” and the “Health Equity Advancement Award” from The Ohio State University. In 2024, he was appointed as an Oregon delegate to the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board 9 and served as the sole hospital administrator testifying before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on rural healthcare.
Mike Delfs. President and CEO of Jamestown (N.D.) Regional Medical Center. Mr. Delfs serves as the president and CEO of Jamestown Regional Medical Center, an award-winning critical access hospital. He has successfully provided the community with access to services not typically seen in critical access hospitals, such as orthopedics, podiatry, urology, otolaryngology services and more. He has spent more than 30 years in the healthcare industry, including time as director, COO and CEO of both independent hospitals and health systems. He is passionate about developing leadership skills in himself and others. Under Mr. Delfs’ leadership, Jamestown Regional Medical Center was recognized by the National Rural Health Association as a top 20 critical access hospital for 2025.
John Durrett. CEO of Fredonia (Kan.) Regional Hospital. Mr. Durrett serves as Fredonia Regional Hospital’s CEO. The 25-bed critical access hospital employs over 130 individuals and offers care including medical, surgical, emergency, physical therapy, interventional radiology, as well as various other outpatient services. Under Mr. Durrett’s leadership, Fredonia Regional Hospital was recognized by the National Rural Health Association as a top 20 critical access hospital in 2023. He has previous experience as an administrative project manager at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington, Kan.
Jake Erickson. CEO at Bingham Healthcare (Blackfoot, Idaho). Mr. Erickson serves as CEO of Bingham Healthcare, leading strategic, operational and community-focused initiatives across a rural network that includes 25-bed Bingham Memorial Hospital. Under his leadership, the organization expanded to operate two eastern Idaho hospitals, an ambulatory surgery center, six urgent care sites and more than 20 physician offices, while building what is described as the region’s largest employed physician group. He has driven facility planning, service line expansion, construction and clinic acquisitions to bring “big-city care” closer to rural communities. Mr. Erickson also led the unification of the hospital, birthing center and multiple practices onto a single EHR platform to streamline workflows and strengthen care coordination. He is credited with fostering a culture of teamwork and trust while scaling the system’s clinical footprint and access points. Mr. Erickson began his career with the organization in 2006, held roles including assistant administrator and COO, and was named CEO in 2017. He also serves on the Idaho State University Foundation board of directors, and the organization’s facilities are Joint Commission-accredited with multiple Blue Distinction Center and Blue Distinction Center+ designations.
Marty Fattig. CEO of Nemaha County Hospital (Auburn, Neb.). Mr. Fattig has over two decades of experience as Nemaha County Hospital’s CEO, where he oversees all operations of the critical access hospital. Under his leadership, the hospital was recognized as a College of Healthcare Information Management Executives “Most Wired” facility for 10 years. In addition to his role at the hospital, Mr. Fattig also serves on the board of directors of CyncHealth and as the chair for the Nebraska Hospital Association. He has previous experience as a director of ancillary services and a consulting medical technologist.
Lukas Fischer. CEO of Linton (N.D.) Regional Medical Center and South Central Health (Wishek, N.D.). Mr. Fischer is the CEO of the critical access hospital Linton Regional Medical Center and of South Central Health, overseeing operations at both. Mr. Fischer is responsible for developing and managing staff teams, negotiating improvements, promoting quality of care, coordinating staffing and reporting, performing related administrative duties, doing community outreach, and making decisions about hiring and staffing. He has overseen a hospital campus renovation, and has previously held roles like COO and CNO.
Kurt Forsyth. President of Delta (Utah) and Fillmore (Utah) Community Hospitals. Mr. Forsyth, president of both Delta Community Hospital and Fillmore Community Hospital in rural Millard County, Utah, has overseen significant achievements, including gaining trauma 4 designations for Delta. He has fostered a positive work culture, with Fillmore ranking No. 1 and Delta No. 2 in caregiver satisfaction across the broader Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health region. Mr. Forsyth prioritizes safety and continuous improvement while focusing on leadership development, employee engagement and operations management. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, he is committed to rural healthcare innovation, addressing social determinants of health, and expanding service lines and revenue streams.
Laura Gamble. CEO at Pender (Neb.) Community Hospital. Ms. Gamble serves as CEO of Pender Community Hospital District, leading strategy and operations across the hospital, four rural health clinics, three pharmacies, an assisted living community and an on-site child development center. She has prioritized partnerships, service coordination and access expansion, all while maintaining financial stability and driving continuous improvement in patient outcomes and satisfaction. Under her leadership, Pender Community Hospital earned a 5-star rating from the National Rural Rating System and was placed on the “National Rural Honor Roll” in 2025. The organization has also been recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health as a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” for multiple years, reflecting sustained performance. Ms. Gamble advanced key affiliations to strengthen rural capacity while preserving local decision-making, including an affiliation with Lincoln, Neb.-based Bryan Health announced in June 2025 and a May 2025 partnership with Pioneer Ambulance to streamline patient transfers. She also supports health and wellness initiatives through community-focused funding, including a $35,000 grant from the 2023 Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska. Ms. Gamble serves on the services board of the Nebraska Hospital Association and previously held CEO and director of nursing responsibilities at MercyOne Oakland (Neb.) Hospital.
Laura Gentry, BSN, RN. CEO of Atrium Health Navicent Peach (Macon, Ga.). Ms. Gentry leads daily operations at Atrium Health Navicent Peach, which provides services to Peach county and its surrounding communities. It offers 25 private rooms, 14 emergency treatment rooms, two trauma rooms and more. Ms. Gentry’s role is critical in providing care for underserved communities. She is responsible for the system’s strategic, operational and financial goals. She has been influential in building community relationships and supporting community outreach programs. She has also been key in the implementation of a school-based virtual health partnership with an area county school.
Timothy Gullingsrud. CEO of Ogallala (Neb.) Community Hospital. Mr. Gullingsrud has served as CEO of 18-bed Ogallala Community Hospital since December 2019. The hospital, a part of Phoenix-based Banner Health located in Western Nebraska, employs over 150 people, making it one of the largest employers in Keith County. Mr. Gullingsrud has more than 35 years of experience working to improve and enhance healthcare services to residents living in rural communities across the upper Midwest. Through effective recruiting and creating strategic partnerships, he has expanded the breadth and depth of services in the 5,000 resident community, most notably in the areas of obstetrics, general surgery and orthopedic surgery. He has also led efforts that dramatically reduced patient falls, improved financial operations, maintained high employee engagement and increased patient satisfaction. Creating opportunities for team members to thrive has been one of his major priorities. The success of his efforts is evident, as greater than 35% of his team have been promoted into the role they currently hold.
Martin Guthmiller. CEO of Orange City (Iowa) Area Health System. Mr. Guthmiller has spent more than 30 years of his career in healthcare. He began his tenure as CEO for Orange City Area Health System in 1994 and oversaw the planning, fundraising and construction of its $29.6 million campus replacement project, which was completed in 2006. The health system includes four clinics, a 25-bed critical access hospital, birth center, comprehensive surgical services supplemented by Mako robotic-arm-assisted orthopedic procedures, a sports medicine clinic, a senior care campus and a full range of ancillary medical services. Mr. Guthmiller leads the health system’s 600-strong staff. Mr. Guthmiller recently oversaw major initiatives focused on independent living, assisted living and nursing home care for the senior population, resulting in the expansion of Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community services and facilities. This eased staffing challenges for Prairie Ridge Care Center, and a new 36-condo 55-plus living community was designed and constructed near the health system’s main campus. Mr. Guthmiller serves on a number of community boards, including the Orange City Development Corp., Iowa State Bank, the Early Childhood Development daycare center and Community Health Partners. Previously, he served as the chair of the Iowa Hospital Association for two years and on the board of Northwestern College.
Hank Hanigan. CEO of Whitman Hospital and Medical Center (Colfax, Wash.). Mr. Hanigan became CEO of Whitman Hospital in 2014 after serving as COO of WhidbeyHealth in Coupeville, Wash. In addition to his responsibilities at Whitman Hospital, Mr. Hanigan serves as a board member for the Whitman County Health Network and is a member of the Colfax Rotary. He is also an active board member of the Association of Washington public hospital district, public hospital district workers’ compensation board, The Rural Collaborative and the Rural Health Enterprise.
Stacy Harberson. CEO of Howard Memorial Hospital (Nashville, Ark.). Ms. Harberson was appointed as CEO of critical access hospital Howard Memorial in September 2024. Prior to her promotion, she served as the hospital’s COO. Before that, she spent 10 years as the hospital’s radiology director. She is a licensed radiologic technologist, licensed nuclear medicine technologist and registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in radiography, mammography, nuclear medicine and computed tomography.
Mark Harrel. CEO of Phelps Memorial Health Center (Holdrege, Neb.). Mr. Harrel has led Phelps Memorial Healthcare Center as CEO since 2007. The center is a 25-bed, nonprofit critical access hospital employing over 328 healthcare professionals, and contracting with an additional 150. Phelps Memorial offers a wide variety of patient services, including cardiology, ear, nose and throat, and otolaryngology, gastroenterology, psychiatry, oncology, orthopedics, surgery and more. In 2025, the hospital was recognized as a top 20 critical access hospital by the National Rural Health Association.
Amy Hart. CEO at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (Crosby, Minn.). Ms. Hart serves as CEO of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, leading strategic, operational and business development efforts for a nationally recognized critical access organization with more than $225 million in net revenue and over 1,000 staff members. She has overseen more than $100 million in construction projects, including a 100,000-square-foot surgical and clinical expansion and multiple off-site facilities, delivered on time and under budget. Under her leadership, the organization launched 10 new specialty service lines and established nationally recognized programs such as the robotic center of excellence and joint preservation program. Her “rapid recovery” approach to joint replacement reduced average length of stay from more than two days to under 24 hours while lowering narcotic use. Cuyuna Regional has earned repeated recognition from U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades and Newsweek, including “World’s Best Hospital” distinctions and multiple orthopedic center of excellence certifications. Ms. Hart is also known for building strong physician alignment and employee engagement, driving sustained innovation in rural surgical and specialty care.
Jonathan Hatfield. CEO of Klickitat Valley Health (Goldendale, Wash.). Bringing 18 years of healthcare administration experience, Mr. Hatfield became CEO of Klickitat Valley Health in October 2023. He began his career at the hospital as a janitor and quickly moved up the ranks, holding titles like director of IT and compliance before taking on his current role. Through his work, he addresses the unique needs of the rural community, drives positive health outcomes, and oversees the hospital’s operations and resource management. A champion of health technology, Mr. Hatfield has spearheaded initiatives like the transition to Meditech Expanse EHR and the creation of the critical access hospital’s first informatics department, which serve to streamline electronic workflows and improve provider satisfaction. Under his guidance, the hospital also developed a virtual care system during the Covid-19 pandemic to enhance patient care.
Curtis Hawkinson. CEO of Community Memorial Healthcare (Marysville, Kan.). As CEO of Community Memorial Healthcare, Mr. Hawkinson is responsible for the overall management and oversight of the 25-bed critical access hospital. The hospital employs over 200 individuals and provides patient services through three rural health clinics, visiting specialty outpatient physicians, home health and hospital care. The hospital was named a top 20 critical access hospital by the National Rural Health Association in 2023. Prior to his role at CMH, Mr. Hawkinson served as the CEO of Keefe Memorial Hospital in Cheyenne Wells, Colo.
Alisha Herrmann. CEO at Edwards County Medical Center (Kinsley, Kan.). Ms. Herrmann serves as CEO of Edwards County Medical Center, leading strategic vision, daily operations, long-term planning, financial performance, regulatory compliance and quality of care. Since joining the organization in 2009, she has advanced through progressively senior roles, including COO, CIO, IT director, HIPAA security officer and education coordinator, building a comprehensive understanding of hospital operations and risk management. She is known for a hands-on leadership style and transparent communication that supports a collaborative, staff-centered culture while strengthening the medical center’s role as a trusted rural provider. With a technical background and education in network and communications management, Ms. Herrmann has emphasized the role of health IT in sustaining high-quality care and operational effectiveness in a rural setting. She extends her impact beyond the organization through leadership with the Kansas Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society chapter, where she has served in multiple roles and was elected president, and she holds Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society “senior member” status. As a certified emergency medical technician, Ms. Herrmann brings a practical clinical perspective to technology and operational decisions that support patients and frontline teams.
Meg Hickey-Boynton. CEO of Community Hospital of Anaconda (Mont.). As the CEO of Community Hospital of Anaconda, Ms. Hickey-Boynton oversees the operations of the critical access hospital, which offers services in family practice, obstetrics, general surgery, orthopedics, neuroscience, emergency medicine, gastroenterology and more. In addition to offering acute, emergency and laboratory services, the hospital also offers home health, hospice and long-term care. In 2023, the hospital was recognized as a top 20 critical access hospital by the National Rural Health Association.
Jodi Hovdenes, RN. President of CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington (N.D.) Medical Center. Ms. Hovedenes was named president of CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington Medical Center in 2022 after serving several months as interim president. She has previous nursing experience at Carrington Health. Under her leadership, CHI St. Alexius Health Medical Center was named a top 20 critical access hospital by the National Rural Health Association in 2025.
Carrie Jankowski. President of Mercy Health–Allen Hospital (Oberlin, Ohio). Ms. Jankowski serves as president of Mercy Health–Allen Hospital, overseeing daily operations, strategic growth initiatives and performance goals for a Joint Commission-accredited critical access hospital serving southern Lorain County. A nearly 30-year Mercy Health leader who began her career in 1997 as a radiology technologist, she brings deep operational experience and community-rooted commitment to her hometown hospital. Under her leadership, surgical volume increased 39% year-over-year and gross revenues rose 20%, reflecting service growth and disciplined execution of the strategic plan. She also oversaw expansion of the emergency department, increasing annual visits from about 15,000 to more than 17,000. Ms. Jankowski introduced advanced capabilities including MAKO robotic surgery and expanded pain management services to strengthen access to higher-acuity care locally. She has built a strong engagement culture, with Allen Hospital ranking in the top 10 for associate engagement among more than 60,000 Bon Secours Mercy Health associates systemwide. In addition, she chairs the Lorain market’s leadership councils for diversity and inclusion, reinforcing workforce belonging and community trust.
Kelly Jefferson, MSN. President at OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group (Escanaba, Mich.). Ms. Jefferson has been serving as president since 2022 and has been with OSF HealthCare since 1998. She leads with a steadfast commitment to operational excellence, fiscal stewardship and access to high-quality, affordable care for residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. OSF St. Francis has earned significant national recognition, including six-time designation as a Leapfrog “Top Rural Hospital,” Michigan Peer Review Organization “Governor’s Award of Excellence,” a 4-star National Rural Rating System designation in April 2025 and December 2023, inclusion on Newsweek‘s “America’s Best Hospitals” list in 2024 and recognition on the inaugural Forbes 2026 “Top Hospital” list. These recognitions are based on patient outcomes, hospital best practices, value and patient experience. Ms. Jefferson has advanced strategic growth initiatives, including certificate-of-need approval for a new cardiac catheterization lab and key partnerships to ensure advanced oncology and cardiology care. She has also helped to ensure local access to neonatal advanced care so newborns stay close to home. In fiscal year 2025, OSF St. Francis served 31,476 individuals, supported 17,934 emergency department visits, 109,374 outpatient visits, had 1,723 admissions and had 435 dedicated employees, demonstrating exceptional impact for a rural critical access hospital.
Arlan Johnson. CEO at Howard County Medical Center (Saint Paul, Neb.). Mr. Johnson has served more than 15 years as CEO of Howard County Medical Center, leading strategy, operations and fiscal stewardship for a 10-bed critical access hospital. Rising from clinic director to CEO in three years, he has focused on expansion, technology modernization and community wellness to keep care local for rural residents. Under his leadership, the medical center constructed an $8 million, 17,000-square-foot wellness center offering physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, a pediatric sensory gym, a walking track, and lap and therapy pools. He also spearheaded outpatient psychiatric services for all ages and expanded mental health visits through the rural health clinic to strengthen access to behavioral health. Mr. Johnson has advanced patient engagement and workflow efficiency through Meditech Expanse, enabling online scheduling and broader patient portal access to results and appointments. He also serves as a board member of the ruralMED Health Cooperative, collaborating with peer rural leaders to share resources and advocate for rural health priorities.
Whitney Johnson, RN. President of New Ulm (Minn.) Medical Center, Owatonna (Minn.) Hospital and Faribault (Minn.) Medical Center. Ms. Johnson serves as president of three hospitals that are part of Minneapolis-based Allina Health, providing strategic and operational leadership to meet clinical, quality and financial objectives across their respective communities. Leveraging her clinical background and administrative training, she has guided multiple care model transitions while focusing on service delivery and sustainability. Under her leadership, Owatonna Hospital has earned recognitions including Newsweek‘s “America’s Best-In-State Hospitals” for 2024 and Healthgrades’ “Patient Safety Excellence Award,” alongside specialty excellence recognition for joint replacement. She has also helped advance stroke quality performance, with Owatonna receiving “Get With The Guidelines Stroke Silver” and Faribault earning “Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll.” At New Ulm Medical Center, the organization has been named a Chartis “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” for the 12th time. Ms. Johnson’s approach emphasizes community relationships, operational excellence and reliable quality performance across rural and regional settings.
Gary Jordan. President and CEO of Cherokee (Iowa) Regional Medical Center. Mr. Jordan serves as president and CEO of Cherokee Regional Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital with four regional clinics, senior housing, wellness services and inpatient care. He has many years of hospital leadership, beginning when he was vice president of support services at Carroll Regional Medical Center in Berryville, Ark. Mr. Jordan also has experience as CEO of Saint Luke’s Health System’s Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton, Mo.
Gary Kartchner, RN. CEO of Benson (Ariz.) Hospital and Northern Cochise Community Hospital (Willcox, Ariz.). Mr. Kartchner serves as CEO of two critical access hospitals in Cochise County, leading operational, financial and clinical performance while advancing access, safety and quality for rural communities. A registered nurse, he brings frontline clinical credibility to executive decision-making and is known for staying closely connected to staff and care delivery realities. He has prioritized provider recruitment and retention, and has expanded specialty access so patients can receive more services locally rather than traveling long distances. Mr. Kartchner has also advanced telehealth and partnership-driven models to bring specialty expertise closer to home while supporting sustainable rural operations. His leadership has focused on strengthening workforce stability, including meaningful reductions in turnover, by building a culture where employees feel supported and heard. Prior to his current role, he held leadership positions including director of essential services and emergency services manager at Benson Hospital. As part of Tucson, Ariz.-based TMC Health’s leadership team, Mr. Kartchner leverages system resources to maintain both hospitals as trusted anchors for the region’s most vulnerable patients.
Chuck Kassis. Administrator at Adventist Health Clear Lake (Roseville, Calif.). Mr. Kassis serves as operations executive for Adventist Health Clear Lake, overseeing a 25-bed critical access hospital and more than 20 clinics. He leads the executive team, manages operational performance and employee engagement, and partners closely with finance leadership to guide budgets and resource allocation. With more than 38 years of healthcare leadership experience, he is recognized for strengthening physician relations, improving operational efficiency and advancing service line growth. Mr. Kassis has led major capital and construction initiatives, including the development and move-in of a new hospital facility, while maintaining a focus on quality and patient safety. His clinical background as a respiratory therapist informs a leadership approach grounded in frontline realities and patient experience. He has also prioritized community partnerships and outreach to support population health and long-term sustainability in rural Northern California.
Kevin Kincaid. CEO of Knoxville (Iowa) Hospital & Clinics. Mr. Kincaid leads a critical access hospital and three rural clinics. As CEO, he transformed the hospital from one on the brink of financial ruin to a successful, high-quality facility. Thanks to his leadership, Knoxville Hospital & Clinics has been recognized as a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” by the National Rural Health Association in previous years. Prior to assuming his current role, Mr. Kincaid served as COO of Dallas County Hospital in Perry, Iowa.
Ryan Larsen. CEO of Community Medical Center (Falls City, Neb.). Mr. Larsen has served as CEO of 24-bed Community Medical Center since 2005. During his time with the organization, he has led the opening of a new facility in 2009 and an expansion in 2018. In 2025, the hospital was recognized by the National Rural Health Association as a top 20 critical access hospital under his leadership. Mr. Larsen has previous experience in healthcare management as CFO of Wamego (Kan.) City Hospital, as well as CFO of Memorial Hospital Association in Carthage, Ill.
Michelle LeBeau. President of Alice Hyde Medical Center and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. Ms. LeBeau leads both a 25-bed critical access hospital and a 300-bed level 3 trauma center, overseeing operations for organizations employing approximately 3,300 team members. Beginning her career as a bedside nurse, she brings a people-centered leadership approach shaped by experience across nursing, human resources, operations and executive leadership roles. She successfully transitioned Alice Hyde Medical Center to critical access hospital status, strengthening financial sustainability and rural access to care. Ms. LeBeau also advanced workforce development by bringing nursing and emergency medical technician programs on site through collaboration with Clinton Community College. She partnered with the hospital foundation to launch the William H. Miner Foundation Educational Career Advancement Program, addressing workforce shortages while supporting employee career growth. Her leadership emphasizes bi-directional learning, system collaboration and aligning patient, employee and community needs.
Jennifer Liter, DNP, RN. CEO at Carroll County (Ky.) Memorial Hospital. Dr. Liter was appointed CEO of Carroll County Memorial Hospital in June 2025 after serving as interim CEO. Previously, she was director of nursing since joining the organization in May 2023. In her nursing leadership role, Dr. Liter played a central part in strengthening hospital operations, stabilizing the nursing workforce, and advancing quality and safety across the organization. Her tenure as interim CEO further demonstrated her ability to lead strategically while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centered care and staff engagement. Dr. Liter brings more than 31 years of experience spanning clinical care, hospital operations and executive leadership. Her connection to Carroll County Memorial Hospital is deeply rooted, having begun her healthcare career at the organization as a volunteer candy striper at age 14, then serving as a medical assistant and licensed practical nurse. As CEO, Dr. Liter leads the organization with a combination of operational expertise, clinical insight and long-standing commitment to the community the hospital serves.
Kim Lucero. CEO at Mt. San Rafael Hospital and Clinics (Trinidad, Colo.). Ms. Lucero serves as CEO for Mt. San Rafael Hospital and Clinics, overseeing operations, strategy and financial sustainability. A longtime leader within the organization, she has guided Mt. San Rafael to repeated national recognition, including multiple top 100 and top 20 critical access hospital designations from the Chartis Center for Rural Health and the National Rural Health Association. Under her leadership, the hospital earned consecutive “Performance Leadership Awards” and achieved a 5-star CMS rating in 2020. She has prioritized workforce culture and engagement, contributing to the organization’s recognition as a “Best-in-Class Employer” in Gallagher’s national survey. Ms. Lucero is known for fostering a team-centered culture that directly supports quality and patient outcomes. In addition to her executive role, she serves as president of the Las Animas County Health Services District and as a board member of the Trinidad State College Foundation.
Kelly Macken-Marble. CEO at Osceola (Wis.) Medical Center. Ms. Macken-Marble serves as CEO at Osceola Medical Center, partnering with a voluntary community board to lead the organization’s strategic plan, culture and rural access mission. With a career that began in nursing and evolved into executive leadership, she is known for a patient- and population-health focus paired with a strong emphasis on high-functioning teams. Her leadership approach prioritizes trust, accountability, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence and teamwork as foundational capabilities for delivering patient-centered care in a rural environment. She brings deep experience across ambulatory care, population health and physician enterprise leadership, including prior CEO roles at other hospitals as well. Under her direction, the organization has earned multiple community-based recognitions, including family-friendly workplace honors and “best place to work” awards, alongside accolades tied to innovative campus design and clinical excellence. Ms. Macken-Marble also extends her impact by providing leadership training as a consultant, reinforcing workforce development beyond her own organization.
Greg Madsen. President of Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital (Lexington, Va.). Mr. Madsen serves as president of the 25-bed Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital, overseeing inpatient, outpatient and outreach services while also holding regional responsibility for Carilion’s care delivery across the Alleghany Highlands, Rockbridge County, Lexington and Buena Vista. Under his leadership, the hospital has expanded surgical capacity and added new providers and specialties to better meet rural community needs. He oversaw a major expansion and renovation project that added 13,700 square feet, modernized operating rooms, pharmacy and lab space, and consolidated ambulatory and post-anesthesia care units. Mr. Madsen has introduced new services ranging from neurology and family medicine to a chaplaincy-on-call program to support holistic patient care. The organization has continued to grow its clinical footprint while improving access to more complex procedures locally. He also serves on regional economic development and community foundation boards, reinforcing the hospital’s role as a community anchor.
Michelle Majerus. CEO of Avera Holy Family Hospital (Estherville, Iowa). Ms. Majerus was named the CEO of 25-bed Avera Holy Family Hospital in August 2024. She then assumed the role at the end of September 2024. Previously, Ms. Majerus served as the vice president of operations of Hutchinson (Minn.) Health since 2021.
Teresa Mallett. CEO at Madison (S.D.) Regional Health System. Ms. Mallett was named CEO of 22-bed Madison Regional Health System in January 2025 after more than a decade of executive leadership within the organization. A South Dakota native, she previously served as CFO since 2012, where she played a central role in strengthening the system’s financial performance and operational infrastructure. During her tenure, Ms. Mallett led hospitalwide software implementations, served as financial project manager for the hospital replacement project and supported the recruitment of new medical providers. She also helped guide the acquisition of several physician practices, expanding access and continuity of care for the community. Her promotion followed a national search of more than 100 candidates. Ms. Mallett’s appointment ensured continuity in leadership and positioned Madison Regional Health System for sustained growth and long-term success.
Josh Martin. CEO at Summit Pacific Medical Center (Elma, Wash.). Mr. Martin is CEO at Summit Pacific Medical Center, accountable for the overall performance and long-term sustainability of a critical access hospital serving rural western Washington. He has led the organization through nine years of growth by advancing a vision focused on upstream wellness, population health and innovative rural care models. Under his leadership, Summit Pacific secured U.S. Department of Agriculture financing for Washington’s first hospital-based wellness center and achieved a Standard & Poor’s bond rating, enabling $63 million in expansion without taxpayer burden. He negotiated a value-based Medicaid contract funding “Food is Medicine,” transportation and wraparound services, while expanding specialty access in cardiology, gastroenterology and behavioral health. Mr. Martin guided the implementation of Epic EHR, earned DNV accreditation and ISO 9001 certification, and maintained financial strength through Covid-19 and reimbursement shifts. A recognized rural health advocate, he has expanded workforce pipelines, launched a rural family medicine residency, and led initiatives that earned state and national quality and rural health excellence awards.
Steve Massey. President and CEO of Westfields Hospital & Clinic (New Richmond, Wis.). Mr. Massey has served as president and CEO of Westfields Hospital & Clinic since 2011. His accomplishments within the organization have included the joining of Westfields Hospital and New Richmond Clinic in 2013, which formed Westfields Hospital & Clinic. The hospital was also recognized by Chartis as a top 100 critical access hospital in 2025. Previously, Mr. Massey served as Osceola (Wis.) Medical Center’s CFO.
Donna McGregor. President of Rochester (N.Y.) Regional Health St. Lawrence Region. Ms. McGregor serves as president of Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital and Massena Hospital, overseeing a combined workforce of 2,165 employees and 234 medical staff. Gouverneur and Massena hospitals are designated as critical access hospitals, providing inpatient, surgical and emergency care to communities across New York’s North Country. Ms. McGregor joined the organization in 2020 as CFO and was promoted to president in 2022. She holds a strong track record in transforming rural health systems and driving strategic growth. Among her key accomplishments are the successful implementation of a region-wide EHR system and the acquisition of more than $20 million in state and federal funding to advance a rural health strategy focused on transportation, maternal and child health, behavioral health, primary care and workforce development.
Cynthia K. McGuire. CEO of Monadnock Community Hospital (Peterborough, N.H.). Ms. McGuire has served as the CEO of Monadnock Community Hospital since early 2014. She has more than 25 years of experience working in the healthcare industry. Ms. McGuire most recently served as the COO of Adirondack Health in Saranac Lake, N.Y. She will be retiring from her current role in March 2026.
Hannah McRae. CEO at Cody (Wyo.) Regional Health. Ms. McRae serves as CEO of 25-bed Cody Regional Health, providing strategic and operational leadership for the West Park Hospital District. She has driven measurable financial improvements across the health system, strengthening financial and operational reporting capabilities while improving transparency and decision-making. Under her leadership, the organization has enhanced collaboration with medical staff and reinforced key joint venture partnerships to support long-term sustainability. Prior to joining Cody Regional Health, Ms. McRae served as CFO for Tenet Healthcare within the Abrazo Community Health system in Phoenix, where she led complex financial operations across multiple hospitals. Her earlier roles as associate CFO and controller for facilities in Arizona and North Carolina included oversight of revenue cycle, cost reporting, IT, supply chain, clinical research and graduate medical education programs. Ms. McRae brings more than 15 years of healthcare finance and leadership experience.
Jac McTaggart. Senior Director and CEO of Sanford Mayville (N.D.) Medical Center and Sanford Hillsboro (N.D.) Medical Center. In 2017, Mr. McTaggart became CEO of Sanford Mayville Medical Center, in addition to his role as CEO of Hillsboro Medical Center. He is responsible for the operations of both medical centers, which offer patients critical care, lab services, long-term care, orthopedic care, rehabilitation and more. In 2025, Sanford Hillsboro was named a top 20 critical access hospital by the National Rural Health Association under Mr. McTaggart’s leadership.
Thomas Mee, BSN, RN. CEO at North Country Healthcare (Whitefield, N.H.). Mr. Mee serves as system CEO of North Country Healthcare, overseeing three critical access hospitals and a home health and hospice agency. He leads strategy and operations for the region’s largest employer, ensuring cohesive, efficient and mission-aligned care delivery across geographically dispersed rural communities. Under his leadership, North Country Healthcare unified three previously competing organizations onto a single EHR platform, significantly improving collaboration, efficiency and continuity of care, including shared maternity services. He has championed data-driven improvement initiatives, including the “Sleepless Nights” campaign, which reduced biopsy result wait times by 50%. Mr. Mee maintains a strong focus on workforce engagement through daily patient and employee rounding, as well as systemwide Lean Six Sigma training. With more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, he continues to elevate access, patient experience and operational performance across rural academic and community hospitals.
Tylie Mills, BSN, RN. CEO of Pike County Memorial Hospital (Louisiana, Mo.). Ms. Mills became CEO of Pike County Memorial Hospital in August 2018 after serving as its director of nursing. She also is a former emergency department and emergency medical services director. The same month she took the helm at Pike County Memorial, the hospital underwent an unannounced on-site survey from the Joint Commission and received its “Gold Seal of Approval” for hospital accreditation.
Cory Nelson. CEO of Sioux Center (Iowa) Health. As CEO of 19-bed Sioux Center Health, Mr. Nelson is in charge of strategic planning, program development and modification, and coordination of all operations in alignment with the organization’s mission. In addition, he also serves on the Sioux Center Health Foundation board. Some of Mr. Nelson’s most recent accomplishments include solidifying an obstetrics partnership with another regional facility, creating a medical director partnership with a federally qualified health center and growing Sioux Center Health by over 50% over the last four years. Under his leadership, the organization has been named a top workplace by the Des Moines Register and has won Northwest Iowa Review‘s “Best of the N’West” categories two years in a row. Prior to joining Sioux Center Health, Mr. Nelson served as CEO of Genoa (Neb.) Medical Facilities.
Chuck Nordyke, MSN, RN. President and CEO at Clarinda (Iowa) Regional Health Center. Mr. Nordyke serves as president and CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center, leading the critical access hospital with a focus on transparency, collaboration and operational excellence. He has expanded community-focused services, including a mental health center, infusion center and a rehabilitation and sports medicine facility that consolidates therapy services under one roof. Mr. Nordyke has also advanced wellness initiatives, including the development of a hospital-based walking trail and an accessible wellness roots garden designed to support sensory and mobility needs. He has leveraged telemedicine to bring oncology services closer to home for rural patients and led the development of a new retail pharmacy to meet community demand. His leadership has positioned Clarinda Regional as a model for rural health innovation and community integration.
Robert F. Nutter. President and CEO of Littleton (N.H.) Regional Healthcare. Mr. Nutter serves as president and CEO of Littleton Regional Healthcare, a critical access hospital that received Press Ganey’s 2018 “Guardian of Excellence Award.” He has spent nearly 20 years in healthcare administration roles. Before assuming his current role in 2017, he was the vice president and COO of Mercy Health System in Portland, Maine.
Robert Ortmyer. President of Elizabethtown (N.Y.) Community Hospital and Porter Medical Center (Middlebury, Vt.). Mr. Ortmyer serves as president of two critical access hospitals, providing oversight of inpatient and outpatient operations across rural communities in New York and Vermont. He led the integration of the hospitals into a shared operational and leadership model, reducing administrative redundancy while preserving local identity. Under his direction, lean methodologies and high-reliability principles were implemented, driving efficiency, safety and workforce engagement. Elizabethtown Community Hospital secured a $5.4 million state transformation grant to expand ambulatory rehabilitation services, while the Ticonderoga campus evolved into a “medical village” supported by a $9.1 million grant. Mr. Ortmyer also championed telehealth expansion, including telestroke and specialty consult programs integrated with the Epic EHR. His leadership has delivered emergency department wait times under 120 minutes, a left-without-being-seen rate below 1%, and top-quartile Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems performance, earning a Press Ganey “Guardian of Excellence Award.”
Jill Ostrem. President of Allina Health’s River Falls (Wis.) Area Hospital, United Hospital (Saint Paul, Minn.) and United Hospital–Hastings (Minn.) Regina Campus. Ms. Ostrem leads Allina Health’s River Falls Area Hospital, a 25-bed nonprofit critical access hospital in western Wisconsin, while also serving as president of United Hospital and United Hospital–Hastings Regina Campus in Minnesota. With more than 30 years of experience across hospitals, clinics and multispecialty group practices, she is known for engaging teams around clear performance goals and a best-in-class care experience. Under her leadership, River Falls Area Hospital earned CMS 5-star inpatient experience recognition and achieved Wisconsin Hospital Association “Checkpoint Top Performer” status across multiple quality and safety categories in 2023–2024. She has also helped strengthen a high-performing culture, with the organization’s Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality patient safety culture survey improving from 68% positive in 2021 to 81% positive in 2024. Ms. Ostrem has advanced community-focused programs like “Project SEARCH,” now in its 10th year, providing transition-to-work training for adults with developmental disabilities through hospital-based and community rotations. She also supported significant growth in swing bed and transitional care services, improving the ability to transition patients home while optimizing capacity across the system.
Rozanna Penney. President and CEO at Athol (Mass.) Hospital. Ms. Penney serves as president and CEO of a critical access hospital and primary stroke center that serves a medically underserved rural region in Massachusetts. She led the organization through a financial turnaround, successfully guiding the hospital out of Chapter 11 to emerge as an independent community health system, which is an outcome achieved by fewer than 3% of health systems nationally. Under her leadership, Athol Hospital earned a 5-star CMS quality rating in 2024 after previously holding a 1-star rating, marking the only critical access hospital in the country to achieve such a rapid improvement. The hospital also received an IPRO quality award for outstanding quality improvement in rural care. Ms. Penney strengthened workforce engagement by leading a systemwide refresh of mission, vision and values, resulting in measurable gains in employee satisfaction. She has also advanced community-based innovation, including a nationally recognized school-based tele-behavioral health program delivering thousands of virtual therapy sessions to rural youth.
Erica Peterson. Administrator and CEO at Sanford Chamberlain (S.D.) Medical Center and Pierre (S.D.) Clinic. Ms. Peterson serves as administrator and CEO for rural hospital and clinic sites as part of the Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health Network. Her prior experience in healthcare finance and firsthand knowledge from living on a ranch in the rural Midwest afford her unparalleled insight in strategically directing the operations of the facilities she oversees. These include a 25-bed critical access hospital, three clinics and a 44-bed long-term care facility. Prior to her role as administrator, Ms. Peterson served as CFO for Sanford Chamberlain for seven years, responsible for Medicare and Medicaid cost reports, statistical and financial analysis, and multi-departmental budgeting for the organization. She is involved in local education and bringing important wellbeing programs to schools. She is an active board member of the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations and Stockyards Ag Experience. She also serves as the Sanford liaison to Indian Health Services, which operates on Native American reservations. Ms. Peterson has also been instrumental in helping shape public policy around rural healthcare in the state, testifying on behalf of Sanford Health at the South Dakota State Legislature.
Michael Peterson. President of Androscoggin Valley Hospital (Berlin, N.H.). Mr. Peterson has served as president of 25-bed Androscoggin Valley Hospital since December 2015. He has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, including 10 in as a senior executive of a rural community hospital. Mr. Peterson most recently served as COO of Sebasticook Valley Health in Pittsfield, Maine.
Cathy Pimple, DNP, RN. CEO at Newman Regional Health (Emporia, Kan.). Dr. Pimple has served as CEO of 25-bed Newman Regional Health since 2023, leading operations, strategy, financial stability and workforce development for a community hospital rooted in a charitable mission. Under her leadership, the organization advanced specialized capabilities locally through technology investments, including robotic-assisted surgery and new cardiovascular and orthopedic innovations designed to reduce the need for patients to travel for care. Newman Regional Health has earned national recognition for chronic care management and ranked in the 90th percentile for SEP-1 sepsis compliance. In early 2025, Dr. Pimple helped establish a strategic affiliation with The University of Kansas Health System and Lawrence, Kan.-based LMH Health to explore regional service expansion while preserving Newman Regional’s independence. She supported community health and workforce pipelines through initiatives such as a pulmonary rehabilitation program and a $500,000 investment in Emporia State University’s simulation hospital for nursing education. Dr. Pimple also strengthened culture and engagement through recognition programs, daily leadership huddles and professional development efforts. An adjunct faculty member at Emporia State University, she teaches healthcare informatics, operations, human resources and finance while helping prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Jeff Prater. CEO at Carson Valley Health (Gardnerville, Nev.). Mr. Prater has served as CEO since June 2018, leading operations across a critical access hospital and five off-site primary care clinics, all while directing a major expansion strategy and strengthening the organization’s long-term vision. He has prioritized leadership stability and workforce engagement, reducing employee turnover from roughly 28% to 17%, which is below industry benchmarks, and sustaining strong engagement survey results. Under his direction, Carson Valley Health launched outpatient behavioral health services for all ages, expanding beyond a seniors-only mental health program to meet broader community needs. He advanced surgical innovation by bringing the da Vinci system to the organization and completing its first robotic-assisted surgery in 2022. Mr. Prater also oversaw the opening of an 8,500-square-foot rehabilitation and outpatient therapy center in 2022 and led the construction of a 52,000-square-foot hospital expansion. Financial performance strengthened during his tenure as well, with net patient service revenue increasing, supported by in-house anesthesiology, a hospitalist program, and the buildout of a cancer care center and specialty clinics.
August Querciagrossa. CEO of OSF HealthCare’s Western Region (Peoria, Ill.). Mr. Querciagrossa is a driving force in efforts to improve access to care in the rural communities he serves. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding emergency services and developing a robust model of care in his region following the sudden closure of a community hospital in Peru, Ill. Under his guidance, OSF quickly established local options for urgent care, primary care, digital care, obstetrics and gynecology, occupational health and rehabilitation services. He has successfully reopened the second OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center campus in rural Peru, Ill.. With approval from the state of Illinois, the campus is growing and thriving, providing jobs and security for the entire region. Overall, he oversees eight hospitals, including a critical access hospital. Several of the hospitals he oversees have achieved national recognition over the years.
Sarah Ragsdale. CEO of Smith County Memorial Hospital (Smith Center, Kan.). Ms. Ragsdale leads Smith County Memorial Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital. She has prior experience as CNO and COO at the hospital. She took on the CEO role in January 2024.
Andrew Raymond. President and CEO at Kalkaska (Mich.) Memorial Health Center. Mr. Raymond serves as president and CEO of a critical access hospital providing inpatient, outpatient, long-term care, assisted living, dialysis and ambulance services across northern Michigan. Since joining the organization in 2016, he has led sustained financial and operational growth, with net revenues increasing by more than 130%. He is recognized for a servant leadership style that emphasizes team engagement while maintaining accountability and performance. Prior to becoming CEO, Mr. Raymond served eight years as CFO, providing continuity and deep financial insight into the organization’s operations. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, he has been named one of the region’s “Top 40 Influential Leaders Under 40” for three consecutive years. His leadership continues to strengthen access, stability and community-centered care in a rural setting.
Roger Reamer. CEO of Memorial Health Care Systems (Seward, Neb.). Mr. Reamer, CEO of Memorial Health Care Systems, has led the organization for over two decades, overseeing a critical access hospital, rural health clinics, a pharmacy, assisted living and a long-term care facility. His leadership has significantly strengthened rural healthcare delivery, policy development and public health initiatives. Under his guidance, Memorial Health Care Systems has been recognized by the National Rural Health Association and other organizations for excellence in quality and patient safety. Mr. Reamer’s strategic efforts have expanded specialized care in the community, recruited more providers and transitioned the hospital to a critical access facility, enhancing outpatient services. He is also a dedicated advocate for rural healthcare, serving on various health boards and fostering alliances that ensure long-term sustainability.
Jeremy Roberge. President and CEO of Huggins Hospital (Wolfeboro, N.H.). Mr. Roberge has served as president and CEO of Huggins Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital, since 2016. He is responsible for managing the delivery of care to the region’s 30,000 residents. Mr. Roberge joined the senior leadership team at Huggins Hospital in 2012 as senior vice president and CFO before being promoted to his current role.
Darlene Rodowicz. President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems (Pittsfield, Mass.). Ms. Rodowicz serves as president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems, which includes several outpatient facilities and critical access hospitals. With over 40 years of experience at the system, she has navigated the organization through significant challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the reopening of North Adams (Mass.) Regional Hospital as a critical access hospital after a decade-long closure. After a closure due to bankruptcy under previous management, the full-service critical access hospital was reopened in spring 2024. Ms. Rodowicz’s leadership has enabled the hospital to provide critical services closer to home, addressing complex conditions like pneumonia, heart failure, urinary tract infection, post-surgical care and more for local residents.
Bruce Roesler. CEO of The Richland Hospital and Clinics (Richland Center, Wis.). Mr. Roesler was previously president and CEO of Mercy Medical Center–New Hampton (Iowa) and CEO of Avera Marshall (Minn.) Regional Medical Center before becoming CEO of Richland in 2015. At Richland, he oversees an integrated multispecialty medical group and critical access hospital with over 400 staff members. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a board member of the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative.
Taylor Rose. CEO at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare (Dillon, Mont.). Mr. Rose serves as CEO of Barrett Hospital & HealthCare, leading the independent critical access hospital through a period of transformation and service line growth to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding southwest Montana community. During his tenure, the organization has earned Chartis “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” recognition every year, achieving top 20 status in 2025 from National Rural Health Association. Barrett Hospital is the only hospital in Montana to achieve top 20 recognition multiple times. Mr. Rose has sustained strong financial performance while reinvesting in growth, including the development of a new 7,200-square-foot specialty clinic to expand access to needed services. His leadership emphasizes long-term independence, disciplined operations and strategic capacity expansion. In addition to his executive role, Mr. Rose serves on regional and state boards, and leads community engagement efforts that reinforce the hospital’s role as a cornerstone of care in rural Montana.
Liz Sellers, MSN. CEO at Pioneers Medical Center (Meeker, Colo.). Ms. Sellers serves as CEO of Pioneers Medical Center, leading strategic planning, governance and operational management to sustain high-quality, patient-centered care in a challenging rural environment. She is recognized for building a durable critical access model, including strong orthopedic capabilities and a culture of health and wellness backed by full physician and staff support. A nurse executive by training, she is known for stepping into leadership gaps across departments as needed to maintain stability and momentum. Under her leadership, the organization has been recognized among Colorado’s top critical access hospitals and earned orthopedic and joint replacement distinctions from national rating organizations. She has also driven performance that resonates with patients, reflected in Healthgrades recognition for patient experience. Ms. Sellers’ management style emphasizes leading by example and aligning teams around consistent quality outcomes. Her career has spanned executive nursing and operations roles, including CNO, CCO and COO, as well as earlier clinical experience as a flight nurse and RN.
Shelly Russell. CEO of Mitchell County Regional Health Center (Osage, Iowa). Ms. Russell is CEO of Mitchell County Regional Health Center. Appointed CEO in 2014, she leads three rural health clinics and a critical access hospital. Mitchell County Regional Health Center has been named a Chartis Center for Rural Health “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” five times. During her tenure, she has driven significant growth in outpatient services and provider recruitment. She has more than 35 years of experience, having served in a variety of clinical nursing roles early in her career. Prior to assuming her current role, Ms. Russell was CNO at the health center. A devoted advocate for improving the quality of rural healthcare, she has served on the board of directors of the Iowa Hospital Association since 2018. Currently, Ms. Russell serves as the chairman of the Iowa Hospital Association’s board of directors. Ms. Russell also served on the American Hospital Association regional policy board for the Midwest region. Locally, Ms. Russell served the Osage Development Council, Mitchell County Economic Development Council, Mitchell County Substance Abuse Council and Osage Rotary. In 2005, Ms. Russell co-authored The Joint Commission’s Ernest Codman Quality award-winning abstract titled “Improving Diabetes Care and Outcomes in a Rural Primary Care Clinic.”
Michael Schafer. CEO of Spooner (Wis.) Health. Mr. Schafer is responsible for the direction of Spooner Health, which includes a 25-bed critical access hospital and rural home health agency. He has created a working environment that is top-ranked in employee engagement and has patient survey results that far exceed state and national averages. In 2017, he oversaw the construction of a replacement hospital and negotiated with a larger health system to bring on a local clinic to its new campus, where it partners for some services. He also was instrumental in establishing a nurse practitioner hospitalist model. In addition to his role at Spooner Health, Mr. Schafer is on the board of the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
Veronica Schmidt. Administrator and CEO at Sanford Vermillion (S.D.) Medical Center. Since 2021, Ms. Schmidt has leveraged her expertise in operating critical access hospitals and long-term care facilities as CEO of Sanford Vermillion. She aims to grow services, programs and community partnerships within the medical center to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of the community. She oversees a critical access hospital, clinic, assisted living and long-term care facility. Under her leadership, the hospital earned recognition as one of the Chartis “Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals” for three consecutive years. In addition, she was critical in adding 3D mammography services to the hospital’s scope of care. Ms. Schmidt hosts bi-monthly “coffee and conversation” sessions, providing employees opportunities to hear from her and ask questions. She previously served Sanford Vermillion as director of ancillary services, as well as directing social work and mental health services for over 15 years. She also held executive roles for regional health systems in South Dakota and Nebraska, and additional roles as an adjunct professor.
Matthew Sells. President and CEO of Shenandoah (Iowa) Medical Center. Mr. Sells became interim president and CEO of Shenandoah Medical Center in 2017 after serving four years as the hospital’s CFO. Later that year, he was named permanent CEO. Shenandoah has an outpatient clinic facility, disease prevention and wellness center and women’s health clinic in addition to its critical access hospital. Mr. Sells is also a board member of Bank Iowa.
Hoyt Skabelund. CEO at Banner Payson (Ariz.) Medical Center. Mr. Skabelund has spent most of his career serving rural, critical access facilities. As CEO of Banner Payson Medical Center, he has partnered with Banner Medical Group and other local physician groups to recruit providers to expand the breadth and depth of services in the 16,000-resident community. He has successfully implemented pain management, oncology and primary care services. Mr. Skabelund was also instrumental in starting one of the country’s few rural family medicine residency programs to fill the need for primary care providers. Additionally, a partnership with Banner Air ensures patients have easy access to tertiary and quaternary emergency and trauma medical care. Under his leadership, Banner Payson enjoys a low 13% turnover rate. Mr. Skabelund began his career in 2014 with Banner Health and aims to continue expanding oncology and surgical services at Banner Payson to better serve the region’s significant Medicare population.
Lynda Stanley. President and CEO of Dosher Memorial Hospital (Southport, N.C.). As CEO of Dosher Memorial Hospital, Ms. Stanley leads the administration and direction of all hospital activities, ensuring compliance with its mission and maintaining high-quality medical services. With a tenure of 38 years at Dosher, she began as the laboratory manager before ascending through the ranks to become the hospital’s president in 2020 and CEO in 2021. Under her leadership, Dosher has achieved a significant financial turnaround, reporting a $1.4 million positive operating margin by the end of 2021 even amidst a challenging environment for critical access hospitals. Ms. Stanley has driven innovations in patient care, introducing advanced surgical robotics for hip and knee replacements and recently adding teleneurology services to enhance stroke care. She emphasizes employee engagement and wellness through initiatives aimed at recruitment and retention, fostering a supportive work environment. Additionally, Ms. Stanley is active in advocating for rural health representation, serving on boards for both the North Carolina Healthcare Association and the American Hospital Association’s rural health committee.
Brian Stephens. President and CEO of Door County Medical Center (Sturgeon Bay, Wis.). Mr. Stephens is the CEO of Door County Medical Center, which has more than 175 physicians, an outpatient medical center and a skilled nursing facility. He spent time as the chief administrative officer before being promoted to CEO in January 2019.
Scott Thoreson. CEO of Carroll County Memorial Hospital (Carrollton, Mo.). Mr. Thoreson joined Carroll County Memorial Hospital as CEO in July 2021. In his role, he is responsible for the oversight of the 25-bed critical access hospital’s operations and 240-plus employees. In 2025, the hospital was recognized as a top 20 critical access hospital by the National Rural Health Association. Previously, Mr. Thoreson served as an administrator within the broader Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic Health System in Springfield and St. James, Minn.
Karissa Turner. President and CEO at Wabash General Hospital (Mt. Carmel, Ill.). Ms. Turner serves as president and CEO, setting strategic direction and overseeing daily operations, quality, patient experience and financial performance for a critical access hospital. She has expanded her influence statewide as president of the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network and as a 2024 elected trustee of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. Under her tenure, Wabash General has achieved national quality milestones, including ranking in the top 10% of critical access hospitals for Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems performance, and earning multiple recognitions for patient experience and orthopedic services. The organization has also been named to the National Rural Rating System’s 5-star level and the National Rural Honor Roll, while receiving workplace accolades in Illinois and nationally. Ms. Turner is known for building a strong culture focused on recruitment, retention and engagement, paired with disciplined operational performance. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a 2019 Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network’s “4 Under Forty” honoree, she has advanced from practice management to operational and executive roles during nearly two decades with the organization. She remains active in local civic and economic development groups, reinforcing the hospital’s community anchor role.
Tyler Ust. CEO at Sanford Thief River Falls (Minn.) Medical Center. Under Mr. Ust’s leadership as CEO, Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center has been recognized as one of the top 100 critical access hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health in both 2023 and 2024. In his role, Mr. Ust is responsible for overseeing all hospital and clinic services. After several local providers retired and others removed obstetrical services from their practice, Mr. Ust helped prevent a maternity care desert from forming by hiring locum providers to support the remaining physicians. He worked to stabilize and expand the service using creative ways to recruit and retain new providers who deliver babies. As a result, the number of babies born at Sanford Thief River Falls increased by more than 10% in 2023. Mr. Ust began his career with Sanford in 2014 and served as the Sanford Thief River Falls clinic director prior to becoming the medical center’s CEO.
Lisa Van Brunt. CEO of Banner Washakie Medical Center (Worland, Wyo.). Ms. Van Brunt leads this 18-bed critical access hospital in north-central Wyoming. CEO since 2024, she brings over two decades of service to the hospital as a nurse and in multiple leadership roles, including CNO. Banner Washakie has been named by Chartis as one of the nation’s “Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals” two consecutive years. It consistently earns top scores in quality metrics, patient satisfaction, employee safety, leadership effectiveness and as a great place to work and to receive care. Ms. Van Brunt’s leadership is rooted in a commitment to quality, safety and compassion. She fosters a culture of excellence and trust, ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of care in an environment that promotes healing and respect. She cultivates a workplace valuing collaboration, professional growth and wellbeing, and is dedicated to positioning Banner Washakie as the region’s trusted healthcare partner. Through initiatives focused on retaining market share and expanding services, she continues to meet evolving community needs with innovation, integrity and compassion.
Tom Vasko. CEO at Newman Memorial Hospital (Shattuck, Okla.). Mr. Vasko serves as CEO of 25-bed Newman Memorial Hospital and Newman Healthcare Associates, which includes three primary care clinics and a multi-specialty clinic. The network serves communities across 11 counties in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. He leads organizational strategy, fiscal management, regulatory compliance, quality improvement and technology infrastructure for one of the state’s largest critical access hospitals, with expanding telehealth and outpatient capabilities. Under his leadership, the organization reported 40% growth in a recent fiscal year and expanded to four times its size in approximately two and a half years, supported by the opening of two new primary care clinics and a multi-specialty clinic in neighboring counties. Mr. Vasko positioned Newman as an early national adopter of standards-based quality by earning Rural Health Clinic accreditation from The Joint Commission and advancing work toward full hospital accreditation. He has implemented hybrid care models pairing local rehabilitation with telehealth partnerships and launched a free patient transportation service to improve access to wellness and behavioral health visits. A prominent advocate for rural maternity care, he has helped shape policy conversations statewide through board and advocacy work, and he is pursuing AI-enabled preventive health workflows designed to identify patients due for follow-ups and automate scheduling and reminders.
George Von Mock. CEO of Hansen Family Hospital (Iowa Falls, Iowa). Mr. Von Mock has served as CEO of Hansen Family Hospital, a MercyOne affiliate, since December 2021. Prior, he spent several months with the hospital as interim CEO. Under his leadership, the hospital was named a top 20 critical access hospital for 2023 by the National Rural Health Association. With over two decades of healthcare leadership experience, Mr. Von Mock was most previously CFO for Hansen Family Hospital, and was director of finance for MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa before that.
Treg Vyzourek. CEO of Brodstone Healthcare (Superior, Neb.). Mr. Vyzourek has served as CEO of Brodstone Healthcare since 2018. During his tenure, he led the organization to a 5-star CMS rating in quality and patient experience, led mental health service expansion, and is currently planning a new construction project. Additionally, Brodstone was named a top 100 critical access hospital by the National Rural Health Association in 2019, 2020 and 2025, and a top 20 critical access hospital in 2023. Prior to his current role, Mr. Vyzourek worked in various roles, including senior director of ancillary services at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Neb.
David F. Walz, RN. President and CEO at Madelia (Minn.) Health. Mr. Walz serves as president and CEO of Madelia Health, leading strategy, operations and financial stewardship for a 25-bed critical access hospital and rural health system. Since stepping into the role in early 2023, he guided the organization through a financial and cultural turnaround, delivering its first positive net income in several years through disciplined cost controls, revenue cycle refinement and service line optimization. He has expanded and strengthened access across core services including emergency care, surgery, behavioral health, clinics, therapy and pharmacy, while advancing strategic growth into underserved communities. Mr. Walz has built a transparent, trust-based culture that has supported caregiver retention exceeding 90% and earned “Best Workplace” from Star Tribune in 2024 and 2025, as well as the Minnesota Hospital Association’s “Exceptional Hospital Workplace Award” for 2024. He also drives rural collaboration and advocacy as founding CEO of the Headwaters High Value Network and vice president of Medi-Sota. He serves as a Minnesota American College of Healthcare Executives regent after previously serving as national president of the American Nephrology Nurses Association.
Rhonda P. Webb, MD. CEO and CMO of Pagosa Springs (Colo.) Medical Center. As CEO and CMO of Pagosa Springs Medical Center, Dr. Webb leads operations for the medical center’s hospital, emergency and ambulatory services, and outpatient clinic. The hospital and its emergency and ambulance services are the only ones in the county, while the outpatient clinic is the largest in the county. Dr. Webb works closely with the board of directors to create and launch strategies that address the roadblocks faced by rural critical access hospitals. Under her leadership, the hospital has expanded service lines and undergone renovations. Dr. Webb maintains financial stability for the medical center while handling compliance and risk management. As CMO, she ensures the safe delivery of quality medical services.
Meagan Weber, DPT. CEO at Scotland County Hospital (Memphis, Mo.). Dr. Weber has served as CEO since 2022, bringing clinical and business expertise to guide strategy, operations and financial resilience for a rural hospital navigating staffing and reimbursement pressures. She assumed the role during significant financial uncertainty and led a turnaround by bringing the revenue cycle back in-house, optimizing pricing structures and securing an additional $500,000 in reimbursements through cost report amendments. Her leadership helped stabilize finances while protecting access to local services during a period when key departments faced heightened closure risk. Dr. Weber has driven operational redesign, including new scheduling paradigms, greater use of automation, and cross-training across departments such as imaging and laboratory services. She has also focused on recruitment and retention of physicians, nurses and other clinicians to sustain rural access. Under her leadership, Scotland County Hospital received the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 2024 “Rural Health Champion” award, launched the “DAISY Award” program in January 2025, and earned recognition for improvement through its senior life solutions program. Dr. Weber previously served as therapy services director at the hospital for more than a decade.
Kristie Williams, MSN, RN. President of Carilion Giles Community Hospital (Pearisburg, Va.). Ms. Williams serves as president of Carilion Giles Community Hospital and also oversees operations at Carilion Tazewell (Va.) Community Hospital, leading access expansion across rural southwest Virginia. With more than 25 years at Carilion Clinic, she has driven significant growth in specialty access, bringing services such as ear, nose and throat, urology, neurosurgery, pulmonology, cardiology and orthopedics to local communities. She played a key role in advancing the system’s swing bed strategy, increasing volumes while enabling patients to recover closer to home and easing capacity constraints at tertiary facilities. Ms. Williams also led the deployment of robotic support team members at Giles, making it the first hospital in western Virginia to adopt this innovation to enhance staff and patient experience. She expanded virtual and telemedicine services at Tazewell to increase access to specialty care in remote areas. Recognized with Carilion’s highest honor, the “President’s Award,” she aims to advance rural care delivery through innovation, workforce support and community-focused leadership.
Dawnett Willis. CEO at Floyd County Medical Center (Charles City, Iowa). Ms. Willis has served as CEO since 2021, leading physician recruitment and retention, strategic partnerships, governance, process improvement and rural health advocacy for Floyd County Medical Center. She launched a $40 million expansion, which was the organization’s largest since its 1965 construction, supported by owner equity, a United States Department of Agriculture loan, grants and local bank financing and scheduled for completion in spring 2026. The project adds new speech and occupational therapy departments, an expanded lab, and a new hospital pharmacy designed for future oncology infusion capability, along with a three-story clinic housing family practice, obstetrics, urgent care and a new outpatient specialist clinic. Under her leadership, the organization earned a 5-star rating from Professional Research Consultants in 2025, placing it in the top 10% nationally for overall hospital rating. She also advanced women’s and maternal health innovation, with the hospital’s midwifery program receiving the American College of Nurse-Midwives’ 2023 “Best Practices–Triple Aim Achievement Award.” A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Ms. Willis represents rural priorities through state and national advocacy efforts and serves on the Floyd County Ambulance Commission.
Lauren G. Wirth, MD. President and CEO of New London (N.H.) Hospital. Dr. Wirth is president and CEO of New London Hospital, which is part of Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth Health system. She first joined the hospital in September 2023 as chief medical officer. Prior, she held various leadership roles within the Boston-based Mass General Brigham Community Group, including medical director and physician wellbeing chair.
Aaron Wood. President of Sanpete Valley Hospital (Mount Pleasant, Utah). Mr. Wood oversees Sanpete Valley Hospital, a nonprofit critical access hospital that is part of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare. The Utah Hospital Association named Mr. Wood “Rural Hospital CEO of the Year” in 2019, recognizing his efforts to implement innovative healthcare delivery models. He has successfully recruited physicians and led the hospital to achieve one of the highest employee satisfaction scores in the Intermountain system.
Dustin Wright. CEO of Floyd Valley Healthcare (Le Mars, Iowa). Since 2018, Mr. Wright has served as CEO of Floyd Valley Healthcare, a leading critical access hospital that is nationally recognized for obstetrics. Starting in 2014, the healthcare center has had three multimillion-dollar additions. Mr. Wright most recently worked at West Des Moines, Iowa-based UnityPoint Health’s hospital in Marshalltown, Iowa, where he was vice president of operations.
At Becker's 4th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable, taking place November 2–5 in Chicago, more than 1,500 hospital and health system executives tackle decisions that determine whether organizations thrive or merely survive: protecting margins under cost pressure, choosing where to grow, renegotiating payer relationships, stabilizing the workforce and proving real ROI on technology. This is where leaders work through them together, face-to-face. Apply for complimentary registration now.