It is with pleasure that the Kansas Hospital Association recognized hospital trustees who provide an exemplary contribution through their leadership and governance. Hospitals across the state nominated individuals for the Trustee of the Year Award because they routinely went above and beyond the call of duty. Six trustees from across Kansas were chosen as 2015 Trustees of the Year.
Bruce Buchanan, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson has served on the board for five years in the positions of trustee, secretary and chairperson. “Bruce requires others to be engaged and vocal with their viewpoints. If there is disagreement, he is always the champion of requiring dialogue and directness in order to move an issue or solution forward,” said Ken Johnson, interim president and CEO.
Gary Drake, Geary Community Hospital in Junction City has served on the board for five years and is the current board chairman. “Drake has exemplified great leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to our mission and cause,” states Joe Stratton, CEO. “His in-depth understanding of hospital governance has been fundamental to our day-to-day work of improving quality, safe, innovative and progressive health care services.”
Curt Frasier, Mitchell County Hospital and Health Systems in Beloit has served in several board officer roles during his 28 years of service and has currently served as the chair for the last seven years. Jeremy Armstrong, CEO comments, “Curt is the most informed board member with whom I’ve had the privilege to work. His knowledge of hospital finances, the legal nuances, negotiations and operations is exceptional. He is not afraid to address problems and difficult issues.”
Morris Krug, Russell Regional Hospital in Russell has served on the board for 18 years and has held the positions of vice chairman and chairman. “Morris attends many events throughout Russell County and always takes the opportunity to talk to people about the operations of the hospital, Morris is a positive role model for other board members and always seeks to improve the hospital operations,” comments Harold Courtois, CEO.
Sister Lois O’Malley, Wamego Health Center in Wamego has a strong passion for Catholic health care and small town hospitals. “Sr. Lois always seeks learning opportunities and tries to attend governance conferences such as the KHA Critical Issues Summit each year,” states Shannan Flach, CEO. “She is not afraid to speak up and ask the difficult questions in board meetings.”
Chris Shank, Via Christi St. Teresa Hospital in Wichita has served on the board for seven years as an executive committee member. “He shares with me regularly what he hears in the market”, said Kevin Strecker, senior administrator. “He calls me with the good and the bad, which helps me understand what is being said in the community and allows us to make important adjustments in our operations.”
The Kansas Hospital Association is a non-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. KHA membership includes 214 member facilities, of which 127 are full-service community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA maintains its vision of “an organization of hospitals working together to improve access, quality and the affordability of health care for all Kansans.”