Current Report Articles
President's Perspective – Exemplary Trustees Will Be Recognized at the KHA Convention

Applause (July 18, 2025) – It is with pleasure that the Kansas Hospital Association recognizes hospital trustees who provide an exemplary contribution through their leadership and governance. Hospitals across the state nominated individuals for the Trustee of the Year Award because they routinely go above and beyond the call of duty. Seven trustees from hospitals and health systems across Kansas were nominated as Trustees of the Year:

These trustees will be recognized during the KHA Awards Ceremony on Sept. 5 in Wichita. One trustee will receive additional recognition and a donation in his/her honor to a foundation of their choice. To learn more about this award and view photos of the nominees, please visit our website. Here is a little more about these exceptional leaders:

Marceil Cloud has served on the board at Satanta District Hospital for seven years. She is a compassionate and engaged leader whose hands-on involvement and advocacy have had a lasting impact on health care and community services. As head of the English as a Second Language) program, she ensures that staff understand essential communication, thereby improving the quality of care. Cloud also was a driving force behind the creation of a shared daycare facility for hospital and school staff, demonstrating her ability to unite stakeholders around critical needs. Her deep commitment to rural health care, active presence across departments, and constant support of staff, residents and patients reflect a leadership style rooted in service, empathy and lasting impact.

Kris Enneking has served on the board at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital for nine years. She is a visionary leader whose dedication to health care governance and community service has significantly advanced the hospital's mission. Enneking has driven strategic expansion projects, championed policy development and strengthened public trust in local health care. Her background in health care liability and deep community ties uniquely position her to advocate effectively, whether leading successful tax initiatives, securing city support for capital projects or calming tensions during the pandemic. With forward-thinking problem-solving, active volunteerism and tireless advocacy at local and state levels, Enneking has helped shape a more accessible, responsive and future-ready health care system.

Lon Frahm has served on the board at Citizens Health for 16 years. He has been a driving force behind the growth and sustainability of rural health care in northwest Kansas. Known for his business insight, strategic thinking and calm, consensus-building leadership, Frahm has played a pivotal role in guiding key initiatives, including the successful development of a new medical facility. He consistently applies lessons from his successful agricultural enterprise to health care governance, helping shape long-term strategies, improving financial oversight and driving innovation. Frahm actively engages with local stakeholders, policymakers and business leaders to elevate awareness and support for rural health care. His thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach has a lasting impact on the health and vitality of the region.

Phil Gilliland has served on the boards at Salina Regional Health Center and North Central Kansas Medical Center for 22 years. He's a transformative leader whose experience in health care governance has redefined what is possible for rural health care. As board chair of NCKMC, Gilliland led the long-awaited effort to replace an outdated facility, spearheading strategic partnerships, securing funding and overseeing the construction of a modern hospital that opened in 2022. His advocacy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, helped build public trust and brought local health care needs to the attention of state and federal legislators. A skilled communicator and consensus builder, Gilliland connects health care, economic development and community priorities. His leadership continues to shape a healthier, more resilient future for north-central Kansas.

Merl Page has served on the board at Wamego Health Center for three years. He is a steadfast advocate and visionary leader whose work has profoundly shaped health care in Wamego and beyond. Page has been instrumental in strengthening the joint venture between Ascension Via Christi and the City of Wamego. His leadership has driven key improvements, including new service lines, increases in patient satisfaction and a significant drop in staff turnover. Widely respected across the community, Page fosters partnerships with business leaders, educators and policymakers to ensure accessible, high-quality and future-ready health care. His advocacy, strategic guidance and relentless commitment have made a lasting impact on the health and vitality of the region.

Jim Parker has served on the board at Friends of Kiowa District Hospital and Manor Foundation, Inc., for 10 years. With a background in pharmacy, he combines professional expertise with personal dedication to enhancing health care access and delivery in Kiowa. Whether enhancing financial strategies, guiding patients through complex care decisions or serving as a durable power of attorney, Parker's work consistently prioritizes the well-being of others. His efforts have elevated the hospital's role as a trusted community resource, fostered stronger public awareness of health care needs, and built lasting partnerships across patient populations and local leadership. Parker's unwavering service has helped shape a more compassionate, connected and effective health care environment.

Mike Williams has served on the boards at Via Christi Hospitals in Wichita for five years. He is a respected leader in hospital governance. With a distinguished career in aerospace and executive leadership, Williams brings deep expertise in finance, strategy and operational excellence to his board roles. His influence has been key in aligning hospital goals with community health needs, enhancing quality and implementing stronger governance frameworks. A thoughtful problem-solver and consensus builder, Williams leverages his corporate experience to enhance health care access and reliability. Through his work with the TNW Group, he champions health care integration in business planning and supports expanded mental health services, reinforcing his broad and lasting commitment to community well-being.

Please join me in congratulating all our 2025 Trustee of the Year nominees. Thank you for making a difference. We hope you will be able to join us to celebrate their commitment and leadership during the KHA Awards Ceremony on Sept. 5 in Wichita.
--Chad Austin