Chuck Welch, Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS), has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) effective Oct. 1. 

The senior executive role of CSO will report directly to CEO Ken Johnson and will provide insight and recommendations on both short- and long-term strategic planning, business unit growth and development, strategic initiatives and market positioning. Welch will oversee the broad functional areas of market research, strategic and tactical planning, marketing, advertising, public relations, media relations, business plan development and the foundation for the health-care system. 

Welch joined HRHS in March of 2019 to oversee marketing and business development efforts for Hutchinson Regional. Previously, he served in several positions with Med-Trans, formerly known as EagleMed, including Vice President of Business Development, Director of Partner Development for the Midwest and most recently as US Division Director of Fixed Wing Service. 

“I am truly honored to be given this opportunity and vote of confidence from our CEO and Board of Directors. From my first day, I have been incredibly impressed with the quality of both the administrative leadership and health-care providers throughout the entities that make up Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System,” Welch said. “Everyone associated with Hutchinson Regional shares a commitment to excellence.”

CEO Johnson said Welch’s extensive background in health care and strategy make him a perfect match to fill this new role. “As Hutchinson Regional expands its footprint and services throughout south central and western Kansas, we need a person to oversee and lead the planning and execution of those efforts,” Johnson said “Chuck’s vision and high energy will take our strategic planning operations to a new level of excellence.”

Welch grew up in Montana and received a bachelor’s degree in Cardio-Pulmonary Science and Respiratory Care from the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. where he also played for the university’s basketball team. In 2017, Welch graduated with honors from the Executive MBA program at Wichita State University where he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Project Management. Welch is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is currently pursuing his Fellows status with the College.   

Welch and his wife Robin are the parents of three grown children, a son and two daughters and have three grandchildren with another on the way. He lists his passions in life as family, his faith, serving others, and the great outdoors. 

Entities within Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System are Health-E-Quip, Horizons Mental Health Center, Hospice & HomeCare of Reno County, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation.