Fourth Cohort Launches from Rural Hospital HR Leader Certification Program

[Kansas City, Mo.] – The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) launches the fourth cohort from the Rural Hospital HR 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 professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead successfully during the most difficult time in rural healthcare history. This program was created by rural hospital HR Leaders, for rural hospital HR Leaders 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 leadership development, HR operations, compliance, and financial strategy.

The following individuals were accepted into the May 2026 HR Leader Cohort:  

• Amy Doane, Osborne County Memorial Hospital – Osborne, KS
• Amy Lee, Pineville Community Health Center – Pineville, KY
• Carissa Bergren, Big Sandy Medical Center – Big Sandy, MT
• Cranita Pitts, Andalusia Health – Andalusia, AL
• Darlene Nolte, Saint Francis Hospital – Vinita, OK
• Dionne Williams, Vaughan Regional Medical Center – Selma, AL
• Hannah McCurley. Mizell Memorial Hospital – Opp, AL
• Jenny Reed, Weiser Memorial Hospital – Weiser, ID
• Kirsten Bryson, North Big Horn Hospital District – Lovell, WY
• Lezah Cline, Scotland County Hospital – Memphis, MO
• Marissa Land, MidCoast Health System – Crockett, TX
• Meagan Brooks, Salem Memorial Hospital – Salem, MO
• Mindy Gonzalez, Othello Community Hospital – Othello, WA
• Phyllis Hopkins, Washington County Hospital and Nursing Home – Chatom, AL
• Renee Van Wieringen, Ferry County Health – Republic, WA
• Robyn Welch, Lillian M. Hudspeth Memorial Hospital – Sonora, TX
• Sarah Eisenman, Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics – Clarion, IA
• Sylvia Kober, Cascade Medical Center – Cascade, ID

“This program was built to equip rural HR professionals 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