TOPEKA – The KHA Leadership Institute graduated its 18th class of 30 students on Sept. 5 at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Wichita. Students were nominated by their hospital’s CEO to be part of this select group. They represent the future leaders of Kansas hospitals.
Helping to build future health care leaders is important to the Kansas Hospital Association. “We are committed to strengthening and promoting the leadership capacity of hospital employees in Kansas,” said Tom Bell, president and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association. The KHA Leadership Institute was established to help hospitals provide professional development opportunities that accentuate the personal skills and abilities needed to facilitate positive change and innovation in Kansas hospitals.
The 2019 Leadership Institute class was diverse. They represented a wide geographic distribution of hospitals from Goodland to Leavenworth and Independence to Lakin – there was representation from all parts of the state. Students had been working in health care for as little as two years to more than 20 years. Several students have been in management positions while others were new managers. Some students also supervisor other staff, from a few to more than 50 employees.
It is important to note that the students nominated to participate in this program were not selected because they needed to learn “management skills.” They were nominated because their CEO recognized their potential to be future leaders and wanted to help cultivate that development. Each one of these students made a personal and professional commitment to expand their skills by attending all six courses of the Leadership Institute.
The curriculum was structured to enhance each student’s leadership abilities.
Area KHA Leadership Institute Class of 2019 members are:
• Kelly Bachar, The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus, Great Bend
• Shayla Cook, Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington
• Dustin Thacker, The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, Larned
The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 220 member facilities, of which 123 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is: “Optimal Health for Kansans.”
