About KHA

Purpose of the Award

Newly established in 2026, the Board of the Year Award recognizes and honors hospital boards of directors who are leaders, give back to the community and routinely go beyond the call of duty. KHA members are encouraged to recognize those hospital boards who have served with distinction and made significant contributions to the betterment of their hospital and community. The award recognizes hospital boards of directors who provide an exemplary contribution through their leadership and governance.

Criteria

A community hospital board of directors that holds current membership in the Kansas Hospital Association can be nominated. Individual board members must have completed their self-evaluation in the KHA Trustee Recognition and Accountability Program. Hospital boards of directors being nominated should demonstrate the following characteristics: Leadership: demonstrates leadership or involvement in the field of hospital governance. Commitment: contributes both time and talent to bettering the hospital and other health care services in the community. Advocacy: increases public attention to the health care needs of the community and has created public concern for meeting those needs. Impact: analyzes issues, defines problems and brings issues to a successful conclusion.

Key Dates

April – Call for nominations
June 1 – Nominations are due
June – Nominations reviewed by the committee
July – Recommendation presented to the Executive Committee for approval.
September – Awardee(s) honored at KHA Annual Convention.

Materials to Be Submitted:

All Nominations Must Be Submitted Electronically

Questions on the online nomination form:

1. Leadership: How does the Board of Directors demonstrate leadership or involvement in the field of hospital governance? Is the board-functioning, demonstrating a high level of proficiency and demonstrated competence? Share how the Board of Directors are a recognized leaders in the community. (250 words or less)
2. Commitment: Highlight the Board of Directors' contributions of both time and talent to bettering the hospital and other health care services in the community. How has the Board brought about specific and positive changes that have advanced health care services in the community, such as improved facilities or new ways to deliver health care services? These contributions can be over time or through a single program/event with the community at large. (250 words or less)
3. Advocacy: Share how the Board of Directors has increased public attention to the health care needs of the community and has created public concern for meeting those needs; how the Board advocates on behalf of the hospital and/or health care industry or helps shape hospital-related legislation; and how the individual is involved on the community, state or national level as an advocate for health and health care access, quality and affordability. (250 words or less)
4. Impact: Discuss how the Board of Directors analyzes issues, defines problems and brings issues to a successful conclusion, builds consensus and mediates disagreements. Share how the Board works closely with their local, state and/or national health care communities to forge relationships, including the hospital’s relationship with specific segments of the community (for example: business leaders, seniors, etc.). (250 words or less)

Award Presentation and Recognition

Board(s) of the Year will be notified in advance if they are selected. They will be recognized during the KHA Awards Luncheon, Sept. 11, 2026, at the Sheraton Overland Park/Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, Kansas, They also will be highlighted in a media release, KHA newsletters and on the website. The Board(s) of the Year will receive a $500 donation to their hospital foundation (charitable giving) on their behalf. They will be given the Board of the Year Award and all board members will receive a complimentary registration to the KHA Annual Convention and Awards Luncheon.