(Aug. 14, 2026) – I am pleased to announce this year's recipient of the Donald A. Wilson Visionary Award is Aaron Herbel, administrator and chief financial officer, Mercy Hospital, Moundridge.
The Kansas Hospital Association established this award to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding, innovative contribution to health care delivery, health care financing or other initiatives that improve the health and clinical outcomes of their community. The Donald A. Wilson Visionary Award provides KHA members with the opportunity to recognize individuals who have been true agents of change in their community and in the hospital industry.
Aaron has demonstrated exceptional leadership during one of the most challenging periods in Mercy Hospital's history. As the CEO of the smallest PPS hospital in Kansas, he recognized early on that Mercy's long-term financial sustainability would require bold thinking and difficult decisions.
Although the community was initially hesitant to transition to the Rural Emergency Hospital model, Aaron proactively engaged physicians early in the process, earning their trust and support. Together, they led a comprehensive community education effort that helped the community understand the reasons for the transition and the opportunities it presented. Through transparent communication and a steadfast commitment to Mercy's mission, Aaron guided the community through significant change while maintaining confidence in the hospital's future.
Aaron has fully embraced the REH model by developing thoughtful financial strategies that maximize long-term sustainability. He has become a recognized leader in effectively using the monthly REH facility payments, implementing sound budgeting practices and ensuring those resources are invested to strengthen the organization. Under his leadership, Mercy has preserved critical workforce initiatives, maintained essential local services and achieved exceptionally high levels of community satisfaction. His work has become a model for other rural hospitals exploring the REH transition.
Beyond Mercy Hospital, Aaron has become a respected advocate for rural health care. He has worked at both the state and federal levels to improve the REH program, helping other rural communities transition successfully and remain financially viable. His leadership demonstrates that even when communities initially struggle with difficult decisions, thoughtful planning, collaboration and strong leadership can turn those challenges into lasting success.
Aaron's commitment to improving health care extends well beyond his own organization. Most recently, he accepted the leadership role on the Kansas Centralized Credentialing Advisory Committee, which oversees one of the state's most significant initiatives to modernize provider credentialing. When Healthworks sought a board member to lead this complex project, Aaron volunteered without hesitation, recognizing both the need for innovation and the importance of reducing administrative burdens for hospitals and providers across Kansas.
Aaron is widely respected by his peers for his integrity, vision and collaborative leadership. He consistently thinks outside the box, embraces innovation and fosters a positive, team-oriented culture. His willingness to lead through uncertainty, advocate for meaningful change and prioritize the needs of patients and communities makes him an outstanding leader and an exceptional representative of Kansas hospitals.
Congratulations to Aaron Herbel. We look forward to officially presenting this honor at the KHA Awards Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 11, at the KHA Annual Convention in Overland Park. I invite you all to attend and join us in honoring Aaron and other health care leaders who will be recognized.
--Chad Austin