April 2026 Rural Hospital CEO & April 2026 Rural Hospital CMO & Physician Leader Certification Program Cohorts Kick Off

[Kansas City, Mo.] – The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) kicked off the second 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.

The following individuals were accepted into the cohort:

CEOs:

• Angela Caldwell, Aultman Orrville Hospital – Orrville, OH
• Beau Masterson, Barbourville ARH Hospital – Barbourville, KY
• Dara Bartles, Mile Bluff Medical Center – Mauston, WI
• Elizabeth Bell, Weisbrod Health – Eads, CO
• Hope Bauer, Battle Mountain General Hospital – Battle Mountain, NV
• Kelsey Sullivan, Three Rivers Health – Basin, WY
• Rebecca Lamberty, Winona Health – Winona, MN
• Rosalinda Kibby, Columbia Basin Hospital – Ephrata, WA
• Scott Justus, Buchanan General Hospital – Grundy, VA
• Susan Diddlebock, Memorial Hospital – Chester, IL
• Teresa Bowleg, Murphy Medical Center – Murphy, NC
• Tim Kielpinski, Catalina Island Health – Avalon, CA
• Tom McLendon, Evergreen Medical Center – Evergreen, AL
• Trevor Huffman, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital – Jacksonville, IL

CMOs and Physician Leaders:

• Anna Dalrymple, Gothenburg Health – Gothenburg, NE
• Eli Burks, SSM Health – Monroe, WI
• Kelsey Davis-Humes, Scotland County Hospital – Memphis, MO
• Michael Blanchard, West Ascension Parish Hospital – Donaldsonville, LA
• Ronald Y. Fujimoto, Hawaii Health System Corporation Kauai – Waimea, HI

“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.