Four MercyOne leaders recognized nationally as rural CEOs to know
February 16, 2023Clive, Iowa; February 17, 2023 – MercyOne is proud to share four CEO’s of MercyOne member hospitals are being recognized as 80 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know by Becker’s Hospital Review. MercyOne CEOs earning recognition include:
- Dar Elbert of Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona has served the heath needs of North Iowa residents since 1987. She oversees an organization with 250 employees, a 25-bed critical access hospital, two family medicine clinics, home care, hospice and public health nursing agencies.
- Veronica Fuhs of Monroe County Hospital & Clinics in Albia, and Davis County Hospital in Bloomfield, has led the teams at both hospitals as CEO since 2018. These health systems are focused on providing unparalleled service, unwavering commitment to safety and a relentless pursuit of value.
- Brooke Kensinger of MercyOne Elkader Medical Center has led the 25-bed critical access hospital for more than five years. Ms. Kensinger's steadfast dedication and unwavering commitment to health care during her time leading MercyOne Elkader Medical Center earned her the Iowa Hospital Association’s 2021 Young Executive Achievement Award.
- Linn Block of Manning Regional Healthcare Center has been in her role for three years in Manning Regional Healthcare Center, a rural critical access hospital in West Central Iowa. She established and implemented an effective strategic plan that shifted the organization’s focus to patient safety, quality care and team engagement. She advocates at the state and national level for rural healthcare and led a capital campaign that raised nearly $1 million to renovate the obstetrics wing at her hospital. Her efforts helped MRHC earn a 2022 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for Employee Engagement.
“We are extremely proud of our health care leaders serving the Algona, Albia, Elkader and Manning areas,” said MercyOne Mike Trachta, MercyOne Vice President of Network Affiliates. “Each CEO knows the health needs of their communities and are devoted to delivering that care. Their leadership helps their medical centers thrive during a challenging time in health care.”
Rural hospitals are the lifeblood of communities in Iowa. Providers and colleagues work tirelessly to deliver safe, quality care to meet rural resident’s health care needs. Rural hospitals also are a key player in the economic health of their regions – providing jobs, community services and economic stability. We hope you will join us in recognizing the contributions of these leaders and dedication to the health of Iowans.
