Third Cohort Graduates from Rural Hospital HR Leader Certification Program

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

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.

Congratulations to the April 2025 HR Leader Cohort:  

• Areal Mitchell, Lawrence Healthcare – Walnut Ridge, AR
• Charlotte Hill, White Mountain Regional Medical Center – Springerville, AZ
• Cheryl Podell, Pulaski Memorial Hospital – Winamac, IN
• Gabriella Comeaux, Savoy Medical Center – Mamou, LA
• Jennifer Hoke, Harney District Hospital – Burns, OR
• Jordan Skinner, Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center – Liberty, TX
• Karen Roznovsky, Yoakum Community Hospital – Yoakum, TX
• Lisa Tankersley, Anson General Hospital – Anson, TX
• Mallari Plymell, Ray County Hospital and Healthcare – Richmond, MO
• Sarah Chrane, Rural Wellness Anadarko Hospital – Anadarko, OK
• Skye Reynolds, Door County Medical Center – Sturgeon Bay, WI
• Sonia Craft, North Country Healthcare-Weeks Medical Center – Stark, NH
• Sheila Pritchett, Rural Wellness Stroud Hospital – Stroud, OK

Graduates consistently report measurable growth across curriculum areas of leadership, operations, and finance. 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 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.