Executives from several MEDITECH organizations have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 list of “Rural Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know,” recognizing leaders who are advancing access to care and strengthening healthcare delivery in rural communities.
The annual list honors leaders who are navigating the unique realities of rural healthcare while continuing to expand services, modernize operations, and improve patient outcomes. These rural healthcare executives are tasked with balancing financial pressures, workforce shortages, and growing community needs, all while serving as both healthcare leaders and vital community advocates.
Several CEOs were recognized for their role in implementing MEDITECH Expanse including Kristi Barnd, Henry County Hospital (Napoleon, OH), Jonathan Hatfield, Klickitat Valley Health (Goldendale, WA), and Thomas Mee, BSN, RN, North Country Healthcare (Whitefield, NH). Additionally, Dara Bartels, Mile Bluff Medical Center (Mauston, WI) was highlighted for implementing MEDITECH’s AI-powered solution Expanse Navigator which resulted in saving clinicians more than seven minutes per patient encounter.
“Rural healthcare organizations continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation while navigating significant challenges, including workforce shortages, financial pressures, and barriers to care access,” said MEDITECH Associate Vice President Rachel Wilkes. “We are proud to see so many MEDITECH customers recognized for their leadership, commitment to their communities, and dedication to delivering exceptional patient care. Their efforts are helping shape the future of sustainable, connected healthcare in rural settings.”
Additional MEDITECH customers named “Rural Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know” include:
Lari Gooding, CEO, Allendale County Hospital, Fairfax, SC
Mary Mannix, President, CEO, Augusta Health, Fishersville, VA
Jeremy Bradford, President, CEO, Calvert Health System, Prince Fredrick, MD
Candy Powell, Administrator, Collingsworth General Hospital, Wellington, TX
Patricia Finn, CEO, Fulton County Health Center, Wauseon, OH
Craig Thompson, CEO, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Clinton, MO
Patrick A. Charmel, President, CEO, Griffin Health, Derby, CT
Tina Gillespie, CEO, Harrison County Community Hospital, Bethany, MO
Rozanna Penney, President, CEO, Heywood Hospital, Gardner, MA
Ashley Bailey, CEO, Highlands Medical Center, Scottsboro, AL
Arlan Johnson, CEO, Howard County Medical Center, St. Paul, NE
Jason Wren, CEO, Medical City Decatur, Decatur, TX
Clint Kotal, CEO, Methodist Hospital Hill Country, Fredericksburg, TX
Jeff Mengenhausen, CEO, Montrose Regional Health, Montrose, CO
John Snow, CEO, Newberry Health, Newberry, SC
Cathy Pimple, DNP, CEO, Newman Regional Health, Emporia, KS
Bob Kroese, CEO, Pella Regional Health Center, Pella, IA
Randall Dauby, CEO, Pinckneyville Community Hospital District, Pinckneyville, IL
Doug Bentz, CEO, Roane General Hospital, Spencer, WV
Eric Fish, MD, President, CEO, Schneck Medical Center, Seymour, IN
Meagan Weber, DPT, CEO, Scotland County Hospital, Memphis, MO
Ben Gill, President, CEO, Southern Ohio Medical Center, Portsmouth, OH
MEDITECH congratulates all of the honorees recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review for their leadership and continued commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities.