Tenth Cohort Graduates from Rural Hospital CNO Certification Program

[Kansas City, Mo.] – The Center for Rural Health Leadership (CRHL) graduates the tenth cohort from the Rural Hospital CNO Certification Program, which began in October 2025.

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.

Congratulations to the October 2025 Cohort:

• Amy Haden, Coulee Medical Center – Grand Coulee, WA
• Anastasia Montgomery, West Ascension Parish Hospital – Donaldsonville, LA
• Angela Smith, Mizell Memorial Hospital – Opp, Alabama
• Cassandra M. DuBose, Frio Regional Hospital – Pearsall, TX
• Christie Matthies, CommonSpirit CAH Market – Missouri Valley, IA
• Courtney Mahler, CHI Health Missouri Valley – Missouri Valley, IA
• Erica Lauder, Box Butte General Hospital – Alliance, NE
• Jackie Giles, Washington County Hospital and Nursing Home – Chatom, AL
• Meghan Shelton, Haskell Memorial Hospital – Haskell, TX
• Melissa Strong, Mason Health – Shelton, WA
• Misti Morris, Merrick Medical Center – Central City, NE
• Nicki McKee, Washington County Hospital and Nursing Home – Chatom, AL
• Yessenia Longoria, Moore County Hospital District – Dumas, TX

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 nursing 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.