Sixth cohort launches from Rural Hospital CFO Certification Program

[Kansas City, Mo.] – The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) launches the sixth cohort from the Rural Hospital CFO 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 CFOs, for rural hospital CFOs 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, strategic planning with boards, and more.

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

• Alyssa Smith, Grove Hill Rural Emergency Hospital – Grove Hill, AL
• Amanda Soesbe, Huron Regional Medical Center – Huron, SD
• Chesla Sollie, Washington County Hospital and Nursing Home – Chatom, AL
• Clint Scogin, Arbor Health – Morton, WA
• Elisa Blethen, Penobscot Valley Hospital – Lincoln, ME
• Grace Dendy, Claiborne Memorial Medical Center – Homer, LA
• Hannah Harris, Salem Memorial District Hospital – Salem, MO
• Judy Monson , Dakota Regional Medical Center – Cooperstown, ND
• Kim Baugh, Share Medical Center – Alva, OK
• Kim Morrow, Box Butte General Hospital – Alliance, NE
• Lisa Azevedo , Refugio County Memorial Hospital – Refugio, TX
• Mari Chambers, Winner Regional HealthCare – Winner, SD
• Nathan Hiebert, Wallowa Memorial Hospital – Enterprise, OR
• Pam Stampfli , Weiser Memorial Hospital – Weiser, ID
• Scott Crawford, Wyandot Memorial Hospital – Upper Sandusky, OH
• Sho Suzuki, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center – Kalkaska, MI
• Skye Wells, Delta Memorial Hospital – Dumas, AR
• Travis Watkins, WJ Mangold Memorial Hospital – Lockney, TX

“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.