HOISINGTON — The Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute graduated its ninth class of 32 students on Aug. 27 at the Critical Issues Summit in Wichita. Gloria Walsh, human resource director for Clara Barton Hospital was among the graduates.

Walsh was nominated by Chuck Waters, president and chief executive officer of Clara Barton Hospital, to be part of this select group.

"Helping to build future health-care leaders is important to our organization," said Waters. "We are pleased that KHA offers this institute to cultivate leadership skills in hospital employees. Gloria already demonstrated professional leadership skills and abilities needed to facilitate positive change and innovate ideas in our hospital.

"I knew based on comments from previous graduates that this not only offered a great leadership experience, but also provided a strong networking opportunity among Kansas hospital employees," Waters said.

Walsh made a personal and professional commitment to be part of the leadership institute. The Leadership Institute requires participants to attend six courses on areas such as team building, governance, communication skills and ethics. The curriculum was structured to enhance each student’s leadership abilities. Students also learned about challenges facing health care in the future.

KHA is a nonprofit association of health-care provider organizations and individuals who are committed to health improvement of their communities.