HUTCHINSON – Chuck Welch has been named vice president, chief development officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System. In this role, Welch will assume responsibility for growth throughout the HRHS service area.
Welch grew up in Montana and is a graduate of the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., with a degree in cardiopulmonary science and respiratory care. During his time at Mary, he also captained the men’s varsity basketball team his junior and senior years.
Chuck’s career path first took him to Anchorage, Alaska, for a position with Providence Medical Center. Welch then returned to his home state for a position as a respiratory therapist and flight medic for Deaconess Life Flight in Billings, Mt.
In 1998, Welch entered the pharmaceutical industry and later the pacing industry as a Sales Representative for Boston Scientific. His advancement with Boston Scientific led him and his family to Wichita, where he led a team of representatives and clinical specialists in Kansas and Oklahoma. During his time in medical sales he developed a passion for business development, marketing and customer relations.
Eagle Med of Wichita recruited Welch to return to the air medical industry as the national director of business development. Following the buyout of EagleMed by Med-Trans Corp, he wore many hats including vice president of business development, director of partner development for the Mid U.S. and most recently the U.S. Division director of fixed wing services. Welch is a 2017 honors graduate of the executive MBA program from the Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University and is currently working towards his masters in project management, also from WSU.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Hutchinson medical community,” Welch said in a recent statement. “After spending many years in a culture hyper-focused on shareholder equity, it is so refreshing to be part of a large organization that is completely committed to the patients and communities we serve.”
Ken Johnson, president and CEO of Hutchinson Regional said Welch was selected following an extensive search to fill the position.
“Chuck’s vast knowledge and background in multiple facets of healthcare, marketing and business development will be an invaluable asset as Hutch Regional evaluates its footprint and service offerings throughout south central and western Kansas,” Johnson said. “He has hit the ground running and brings a new vigor and enthusiasm to our development and marketing efforts at Hutch Regional.”
Welch and his wife Robin are the parents of three grown children and the grandparents to a new grandson.
