April 2026 cohort of CRHL’s Rural Health Leadership Academy launches

[Kansas City, MO] – The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) launched another cohort of the Rural Health Leadership Academy (RHLA).

Leadership makes the difference; therefore, it is critical for current and emerging rural health professionals to be effective leaders within their facilities. The RHLA serves as a valuable tool for succession planning, helping organizations intentionally develop the next generation of leaders and ensure continuity in roles. By fostering skilled leaders and creating a strong leadership pipeline, rural healthcare organizations are better equipped to navigate challenges, provide high-quality care, and improve community health outcomes.

The following individuals were accepted into the cohort:

• Alicia Bell, Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital – Malad City, ID
• Alushus Cooper, Mississippi Office of Rural Health and Primary Care – Jackson, MS
• Amy Downing, Evanston Regional Hospital – Evanston, WY
• Benjamin Pope, Bonner General Health – Sandpoint, ID
• Billie Osterhoudt, Valor Health – Emmett, ID
• Brad Hoyer, St. Luke's Health System – Jerome, ID
• Brandon Rivenbark, Viriginia Department of Health – Richmond, VA
• Brianna Rooney, Arizona Center for Rural Health – Tucson, AZ
• Cassandria Lonewolf, Boundary Community Hospitals – Bonners Ferry, ID
• Crystal Barter, Michigan Center for Rural Health – East Lansing, MI
• Danielle Kunkel, Washington State Department of Health – Tumwater, WA
• Hal T. Richins, Syringa Hospital and Clinics – Grangeville, ID
• Jennifer Mullins, Clearwater Valley Health – Orofino, ID
• Jerry Parmeley, Shoshone Medical Center – Kellogg, ID
• Jon Smith, Evanston Regional Hospital – Evanston, WY
• Karren Edwards, Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital – Malad City, ID
• Kasey Davis, Weiser Memorial Hospital – Weiser, ID
• Kaylee Giulio, Shoshone Medical Center – Kellogg, ID
• Leianne Everett, Teton Valley Health Care – Driggs, ID
• Liam Gillmore, Weiser Memorial Hospital – Weiser, ID
• Medina Tipton, Kentucky Office of Rural Health – Hazard, KY
• Meghan Sullivan, Gritman Medical Center – Moscow, ID
• Melissa Varnum, Oregon Office of Rural Health – Portland, OR
• Misty Martinez, Valor Health Family Medicine – Emmett, ID
• Nancy Hicks, St Luke’s Jerome – Twin Falls, ID
• Natalie Claiborne, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services – Helena, MT
• Nicole Breton, Maine State Office of Rural Health and Primary Care – Augusta, ME
• Rebecca Hoover, Teton Valley Hospital – Driggs, ID
• Renee Clark, North Carolina Office of Rural Health – Raleigh, NC
• Robert Thomas, Valor Health – Emmett, ID
• Rocky Sulkoske, Gritman Medical Center – Moscow, ID
• Rosie Castaneda, La Esperanza Clinic – San Angelo, TX
• Ryan Kerouac, Bonner General Health – Sandpoint, ID
• Sarah Bohnert, Community Memorial Hospital – Hamilton, NY
• Sarah Craig, South Carolina Office of Rural Health – Columbia, SC
• Sarah Groom, Syringa Hospital and Clinics – Grangeville, ID
• Shayla Brown, Shoshone Medical Center – Kellogg, ID
• Sophia Mitchell, United Indian Health Services – Arcata, CA
• Trudy McGinnis, North Canyon Family Medicine – Gooding, ID
• Tyler Beddes, MVH Community Care – Rexburg, ID

About the Rural Health Leadership Academy (RHLA): This training program equips rural health leaders to lead more effectively and strengthen the viability of rural hospitals, clinics, and community-focused organizations. It also supports succession planning by building a pipeline of leaders ready to step into critical roles, while fostering a culture of health and well-being in the communities they serve.

To learn more about the RHLA, visit: https://www.crhleadership.com/rhla