Eleventh cohort for Rural Hospital CNO Certification Program launches

[Kansas City, Mo.] – The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) launched the eleventh cohort from the Rural Hospital CNO 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 program was created by rural hospital CNOs, for rural hospital CNOs and was informed through an essential question: “What do you know now that you wish you’d known then?”

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

The following individuals were accepted into the March 2026 CNO Cohort: 

• Allison Treloar, Madison Valley Medical Center – Ennis, MT
• Amanda Frederick, Gonzales Healthcare Systems – Gonzales, TX
• Amy Kolwaite, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Atlanta, GA
• Ann Lengeling, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital – Lake City, IA
• Christi Salo, Munising Memorial Hospital – Munising, MI
• Danielle Pagnard, Wyandot Memorial Hospital – Upper Sandusky, OH
• Debbie Lull, Mackinac Straits Health System – St. Ignace, MI
• Glen Griesheim, CommonSpirit St. Mary-Corwin Hospital – Pueblo, CO & St. Thomas More Hospital – Canon City, CO
• Jen Elmendorf, Nathan Littauer Hospital – Gloversville, NY
• Jennifer Kimberlain, Samaritan Critical Access Hospitals – Lebanon, North Lincoln, Pacific Communities in Oregon
• Julie Tromblee, UVM Health Elizabethtown Community Hospital – Elizabethtown, NY
• Kelly Jany, Memorial Hospital Chester – Chester, IL
• Laurie Ballinger, Novant Health Pender Medical Center – Burgaw, NC
• Leslie Cope, Dallas County Medical Center – Fordyce, AR
• Lindsay LaCroix, Providence Medical Center – Wayne, NE
• Mandy Meadows, Parkview Hospital – Wheeler, TX
• Megan Boyle, Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Baker City, OR
• Melissa Metts, Trinity Health Shelby – Shelby, MI
• Ruth Franke, PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center – Florence, OR
• Scott Blixt, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital – Manistique, MI
• Sheryl Angell, Pioneer Memorial Hospital – Heppner, OR
• Trina DeMare, Watsonville Community Hospital – Watsonville, CA

Graduates consistently report measurable growth across curriculum areas of leadership, operations, finance, and clinical/quality. Many continue to meet with their cohort members after graduation to share ideas and solve challenges in real time.

“This program was built to equip rural executives 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.