Communications

(July 25, 2025) – It is a pleasure to announce that Harold Courtois, retired CEO, Memorial Health System, Abilene, has been selected to receive the Kansas Hospital Association's 2025 Charles S. Billings Award.

The Charles S. Billings Award was created in 1971 to recognize distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the field of health care in Kansas. We reserve this award for those who have truly shown their commitment, leadership and dedication to that noble pursuit. Harold, the 45th recipient of this award, has certainly demonstrated these qualities during his devoted health care career of more than five decades.

Harold often refers to himself as an "old lab junkie," since he began his career as a medical technologist before transitioning into administration. His career has taken him across multiple health care organizations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.

Harold became the chief executive officer at Memorial Health System in July 2017. Before joining MHS, he was the CEO at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell. Prior to being at Russell, Harold was the CEO at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney. He has also been the director of operations at Emeritus Senior Living in Kearney, NE; the director of laboratory and radiology at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE; and the vice president of ancillary services at Pratt Regional Medical Center in Pratt.

Along the way, Harold has served as president and board member for various organizations, most recently working closely with the Kansas Hospital Association to advocate for patient care at the state and national levels. Harold was a member of the KHA Board from 2019-2024, serving as treasurer in 2024. He served two stints on the KHA Workers' Compensation Fund Board, holding the positions of chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer during his tenure. He also served on the KHA Audit and Finance Committee and the KHA Governance Committee of the Board. Harold is a past chair of the KHA Northwest District and past member of the Northwest Trauma Executive Committee. He has served for numerous years on the KHA Policy and Advocacy Committee, KHA Hospital Leadership and Governance Committee, KHA-PAC Steering Committee and KHA Strategic Planning Committee.

Harold earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Southwestern College in Winfield, and a Master of Science in Management from Friends University. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives; past president of the Russell Area Chamber of Commerce; past president of Leadership Kearney; past member of the Leadership Kearney Board of Directors; current member of Rotary International; and past member of the Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce. Harold has been a radio sports broadcaster for KMMM in Pratt, and he taught at the college level for seven years. He enjoys golfing, cycling and reading. He has served on the USD 407 Board of Education, the Miss Kansas Board of Directors (where he was responsible for fundraising) and is a Lay Speaker in the Methodist Church.

While we know the decision to retire was not an easy one, Harold has shared that he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family. "I have never met anyone who said, 'I wish I had worked more,' but I have met several who wished they had spent more time with their family. I'm looking forward to that next chapter." Harold and his wife, Sue, have two daughters, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Harold's leadership in health care has been felt on a local, state and national level. He has been a mentor to many health care leaders across the state. His guiding philosophy, "Do what's right for the patient," shaped his leadership approach, fostering innovation and empowerment among all who have worked with him.

Congratulations to Harold! We look forward to officially bestowing this prestigious honor to him during the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Wichita. I invite you all to attend the KHA Awards Luncheon at noon on Friday, Sept. 5, when Harold will receive the Billings Award and additional health care leaders will be recognized.
--Chad Austin