April 2025 Rural Hospital CEO & April 2025 Rural Hospital CMO & Physician Leader Certification Program Cohorts Graduate

[Kansas City, Mo.] – The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) graduates the first combined cohort of the Rural Hospital CEO and CMO/Physician Leader Certification Program. 

CRHL was built in response to the National Rural Health Association’s initiative to address the rural hospital closure crisis by equipping executives with the knowledge and skills to lead successfully during the most difficult time in rural healthcare history. This integrated cohort, the first of its kind, created a powerful environment for collaboration, problem-solving, and networking.

By bringing clinical and non-clinical leaders together, the Program helped bridge leadership gaps, strengthen alignment, and foster deeper collaboration within rural hospitals.

The program included expert-led classes and interactive live discussion sessions covering essential topics like financial management, leadership development, regulatory compliance, strategic planning with boards, and more.

Congratulations to the April 2025 CEO, CMO, and Physician Leader Cohort: 

CEOs:

• Aaron Hilton, Lawerence Healthcare – Walnut Ridge, AR
• Darrell Messersmith, Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association – Ekalaka, MT
• Justa Clark, Anson General Hospital – Anson, TX
• Kolin Huth, Jackson County Regional Health Center – Maquoketa, IA
• Lacey Carter, Ozarks Healthcare – West Plains, MO
• Melissa Pelkey, Penobscot Valley Hospital – Lincoln, ME
• Shannon Carlson, LifeCare Medical Center – Roseau, MN
• Shelton B. Anthony, West Ascension Parish Hospital, Donaldsonville, LA
• Teresa Mallett, Madison Regional Health System – Madison, SD
• Viswanathan Venkataswamy, Junction Clinic Health Center – Livonia, MI
• William Bryant – Whitman Hospital & Medical Clinics – Colfax, WA
• Zoya Ratner – Rural Healthcare Financial Partners

CMOs and Physician Leaders:

• Brian Larsen, Good Shepherd Health Care System – Hermiston, OR
• Carla Dowdy, Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association – Ekalaka, MT
• Dana Iglesias, UNC Health Chatham Hospital – Siler City, NC
• Jordan Blanchard, Weiser Memorial Hospital – Weiser, ID
• Michael Gilbert, Monadnock Community Hospital, Peterborough, NH
• Paul El Azoury, Alice Hyde Medical Center, Malone, NY
• Ralph Apolinario, Moore County Hospital District – Dumas, TX
• Stephanie Diehlmann, Moore County Hospital District – Dumas, TX

Graduates consistently report measurable growth across curriculum areas of leadership, operations, finance, and clinical and quality performance. Participants also shared that learning alongside one another was especially meaningful, as it provided not only practical tools but also a deeper understanding of each other’s roles, perspectives, and challenges within rural hospitals.

“This program was built to equip rural hospital CEOs, CMOs, and Physician Leaders with the skills, strategies, and support to lead through the toughest challenges facing rural healthcare today,” said Sydney Grant, Chief Learning Officer for CRHL. “It’s about more than just learning—it’s about community, confidence, and action.”

To learn more about the Center for Rural Health Leadership, visit https://www.crhleadership.com.

About the Center for Rural Health Leadership

The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) equips rural healthcare leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to create stronger, more sustainable healthcare organizations. Through specialized programs and expert-driven education, CRHL is committed to developing the next generation of rural healthcare leaders and strengthening healthcare in rural America