MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact – Cindy Samuelson csamuelson@kha-net.org
(785) 249-1727
KHA Leadership Institute Graduates 33
(Topeka, KS – Sept. 23, 2022) – The Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute graduated its 20th class of 33 students on Sept. 8, at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Overland Park, Kansas. Students were nominated by their hospital’s CEO to be part of this select group. They represent the future leaders of Kansas hospitals.
Helping to build future health care leaders is important to the Kansas Hospital Association. “We are committed to strengthening and promoting the leadership capacity of hospital employees in Kansas,” said Chad Austin, president and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association. The KHA Leadership Institute was established to help hospitals provide professional development opportunities that accentuate the personal skills and abilities needed to facilitate positive change and innovation in Kansas hospitals.
The 2022 Leadership Institute class was diverse. They represented a wide geographic distribution of Kansas hospitals from St. Francis to Dighton and Pittsburg to Elkhart – there was representation from all parts of the state. Students had experience in health care for as little as a year to more than 20 years. Several students have been in management positions while others were new managers. Some students also supervise other staff, from a few to more than 50 employees.
It is important to note that the students nominated to participate in this program were not selected because they needed to learn “management skills.” They were nominated because their CEO recognized their potential to be future leaders and wanted to help cultivate that development. Each one of these students made a personal and professional commitment to expand their skills by attending all six courses of the Leadership Institute.
The curriculum was structured to enhance each student’s leadership abilities. Course #1 focused on explaining the difference between leadership and management, identifying organizational values and creating a positive organizational climate. Course #2 focused on enhancing communication skills and grassroots advocacy. Course #3 focused on team building – including how to lead a team and how to be part of a team and Course # 4 examined conflict and conflict management. Courses #5 was at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show. Students learned about the challenges facing health care.
KHA Leadership Institute Class of 2022 (photo attached)
Rick Arnold, Fredonia Regional Hospital, Fredonia
Ginny Bergkamp, Ascension Via Christi Hospitals, St. Teresa, Wichita
Rebecca Bird, Sheridan County Health Complex, Hoxie
Lindsey Brittain, Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, Wichita
Tyler Brown, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington
Katie Bunker, Cheyenne County Hospital, Saint Francis
Paula Burris, Logan County Health Services, Oakley
Audrey Carlson, Republic County Hospital, Belleville
Garrett Colglazier, Sabetha Community Hospital, Sabetha
Abbey Cotter, Ascension Via Christi Hospitals, St. Francis, Wichita
Garrett Daharsh, Salina Regional Health Center, Salina
Jewel Davis, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned
Marcia Gabel, Lane County Hospital, Dighton
Marissa Gehring, Kingman Healthcare Center, Kingman
Paul Gosselin, Phillips County Health Systems, Phillipsburg
Melissa Jensen, The University of Kansas Health System, Great Bend Campus, Great Bend
Haley Jones, Memorial Health System, Abilene
Trevor Kennedy, HaysMed, Hays
Melissa King, Ascension Via Christi Hospitals, Wichita
Adam Martin, NMC Health, Newton
Kolby Martin, Lindsborg Community Hospital, Lindsborg
Shelly McDonald, Ness County Hospital District #2, Ness City
Chad Meyer, Decatur Health, Oberlin
Michelle Pollman, Girard Medical Center, Girard
Tonya Raaf, Holton Community Hospital, Holton
Krystle Sandman, Edwards County Medical Center, Kinsley
Cricket Schmidt, Rooks County Health Center, Plainville
Julie Schneider, Coffey County Hospital, Burlington
Curt Sudbeck, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, Seneca
Jennifer Thomas, Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons
Tammie Trefz, LMH Health, Lawrence
Janelle Wade, Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg
Allison Willits, St. Luke Hospital and Living Center, Marion
The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 237 member facilities, of which 123 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is: “Optimal Health for Kansans.”