(Aug. 7, 2026) – It is with pleasure that the Kansas Hospital Association recognizes hospital boards of directors who make an exemplary contribution through their leadership and governance. Hospitals nominated boards that demonstrate strong leadership, give back to their communities and routinely go beyond the call of duty. Two boards of directors tied for the highest scores awarded by the KHA Hospital Leadership and Governance Committee.
Congratulations to:
- Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems Board of Trustees
- Wilson Medical Center Board of Trustees
Both of these boards of directors will be recognized at the KHA Awards Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11, in Overland Park. A donation in their honor will also be made to each hospital's foundation. To learn more about this award, visit the KHA website. Here is a bit more about these exceptional boards:
Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems Board of Trustees
The Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems Board of Trustees has consistently distinguished itself as a forward-thinking group of leaders committed not only to sustaining health care access but also to ensuring the organization thrives in an increasingly complex environment. Rather than reacting to challenges, the board actively seeks to understand them by studying industry trends, demographics, workforce projections, financial analytics and evolving care models to better anticipate the community's needs. The board's willingness to embrace innovation and make proactive investments before challenges become crises has positioned MCHHS for long-term success. One example is the board's decision to implement a two-surgeon model in a rural Critical Access Hospital setting. While some view this as an ambitious investment, the board recognized the long-term benefits of expanded access, service growth, provider sustainability and improved patient outcomes. Their decision reflected a commitment to organizational resilience and the future health of the community. The board serves as a strong voice for rural health care at the local, state and national levels. Trustees have actively engaged legislators and policymakers on issues critical to the future of rural health care, including 340B program protections, the impact of Medicare Advantage plans, workforce challenges and legislation affecting access to care. By bringing the rural perspective to these conversations, they help shape policies that strengthen local hospitals and the communities they serve. Trustees also work to educate community members about emerging health care challenges and opportunities, helping stakeholders understand the investments, innovation and strategic decisions necessary to sustain local health care services. Through open communication and community engagement, they build understanding, trust and support for the hospital's mission.
Wilson Medical Center Board of Trustees
The Wilson Medical Center Board of Trustees exemplifies visionary leadership in rural health care governance. Faced with unprecedented challenges facing rural hospitals, the board has consistently shown the courage to think beyond traditional models and pursue innovative solutions that expand health care access for the communities they serve. Most notably, the board played a pivotal role in supporting the creation of Southeast Kansas Health, a regional cooperative that brings together hospitals and behavioral health organizations to address shared challenges. Their willingness to embrace collaboration over competition required strategic foresight, trust and a commitment to the greater good of rural health care. By supporting Southeast Kansas Health and regional collaboration efforts, they embraced a vision that prioritizes patient access, workforce sustainability and improved health outcomes across the region. The board's commitment is evident not only in the decisions they make but also in their willingness to take calculated risks for the benefit of future generations. The board further demonstrated leadership by supporting an executive leasing agreement with Labette Health, allowing Wilson Medical Center to secure experienced executive leadership while strengthening regional partnerships. This innovative approach positioned the organization for long-term sustainability and growth. Perhaps their greatest impact is the culture they have helped create, one focused on collaboration, innovation and community stewardship. By bringing people together around shared goals and embracing solutions that benefit the broader region, the WMC Board of Trustees has demonstrated how effective governance can positively influence both health care delivery and community well-being. Their impact extends far beyond the hospital's walls and will continue to shape the future of health care in Southeast Kansas.
Please join me in congratulating all our 2026 Boards of the Year. Thank you for making a difference. We hope you can join us to celebrate their commitment and leadership ay the KHA Awards Ceremony on Sept. 11, in Overland Park.
--Chad Austin