Fourth Cohort Launches from Rural Hospital Board Certification Program
Apr 01, 2026
[Kansas City, Mo.] – The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) launches the fourth cohort from the Rural Hospital Board Certification Program.
CRHL was built in response to the National Rural Health Association’s initiative to address the rural hospital closure crisis by equipping board members with the knowledge and skills to govern successfully during the most difficult time in rural healthcare history. This program was created by rural hospital trustees, for rural hospital trustees 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 benchmarking, healthcare finance, community health and collaboration, strategic planning, and more.
The following individuals were accepted into the January 2026 Cohort:
- Amy Ruble, Forks Community Hospital – Forks, WA
- Angela Kennedy, Claiborne Memorial Medical Center – Homer, LA
- Chris Letterman, Bartlett Regional Hospital – Juneau, AK
- Chuck Carlson, Forks Community Hospital – Forks, WA
- David Nicholas, Winner Regional Health – Winner, SD
- Delores Noble, Sage Memorial Hospital – Ganado, AZ
- Francis Morgan, Sage Memorial Hospital – Ganado, AZ
- Hal Geiger, Bartlett Regional Hospital – Juneau, AK
- James Ewart, Mee Memorial Healthcare System – King City, CA
- Jesse Zeiset, Scotland County Memorial Hospital – Memphis, MO
- Lisa Petersen, Bartlett Regional Hospital – Juneau, AK
- Michael Dye, South Peninsula Hospital – Homer, AK
- Sara Hammerbeck, Winner Regional Health – Winner, SD
- Veronica Clark, Sage Memorial Hospital – Ganado, AZ
“This program was built to equip rural board members 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.
