Communications

(July 26, 2024) – It is with pleasure that the Kansas Hospital Association recognizes hospital trustees who provide outstanding contributions through their leadership and governance. Hospitals across the state nominated individuals for the Trustee of the Year Award because they routinely go above and beyond the call of duty. Seven trustees from hospitals and health systems across Kansas were nominated as Trustees of the Year:

• Terry David, Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons
• Jared Estes, Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, Wichita
• Matt Floersch, MD, Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc., Manhattan
• Debbie Palacioz, NMC Health, Newton
• Dan Palmgren, Satanta District Hospital, Clinics & LTCU, Satanta
• Kenton Weltmer, Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center
• Sister Pam Young, Ascension Via Christi Health, Inc., Wichita

These trustees will be recognized during the KHA Awards Ceremony on Sept. 5, 2024, in Overland Park. One trustee will receive additional recognition and a donation in his/her honor to the foundation of their choice. To learn more about this award and see photos of the nominees, go to our website. Here is a little more about these exceptional leaders:

Terry David has served on the board at Hospital District #1 of Rice County for 21 years. He has served as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Terry fosters collaboration between the board, administration and medical staff and has been pivotal in strengthening the relationships with other local health care partners. In addition, Terry has been recognized as an advocate for communities by serving as a county commissioner. Through his leadership on the commission, Terry has brought structure and level-headed governance that has allowed for business growth opportunities and collaboration between the county and local city governments. Terry's leadership style can be characterized as "leading by example." He doesn't give direction or guidance from the sidelines but fully immerses himself in the task or project.

Jared Estes has served on the board at Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital for nine years. Jared brought a unique patient perspective to board governance and board discussions. As a young man, Jared was involved in a tragic car accident that killed his wife and left him with burns on more than half of his body. This terrible event turned him into an advocate for burn patients and rehab services. He now tours the country, speaking on behalf of this vulnerable patient population wherever he can raise his voice. His message has been spread through schools, hospitals and other organizations. His purpose as a motivational speaker shedding light on these patients is fueled by a goal to decrease their suicide and alcohol-related deaths.

Matt Floersch, MD, has served on the board of Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc. for eight years. He has served as chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer. Dr. Floersch has led partnership discussions, assisted with evaluating acquisitions and program changes and is a consistent voice of calm and reason as the hospital navigates operational challenges. He advocates for the community and strongly encourages collaboration with entities like Konza Prairie (FQHC), Pawnee Mental Health Services and other providers. Dr. Floersch is well respected by his peers. He is seen as collaborative, fair and focused on the greater good. Additionally, he is the medical director for Meadowlark, a local senior community and has distinguished himself for his care of the elderly and willingness to focus on geriatric care.

Debbie Palacioz has served on the board at NMC Health for 12 years. She has a proven track record of leadership and service in the community. During board meetings, Debbie is fully present and engaged. Her unwavering personal values speak volumes when the board considers current and future actions. While defending the mission, vision and values of the hospital, she is inquisitive and sensitive to how the hospital's work and relationships serve hospital constituents. She asks the hard questions. She is part of a board that ensures a generous financial assistance program. She supports the hospital's relationships with community partners in a way that protects the interests of all concerned. Integrity is her watchword, and she is highly respected as a result.

Dan Palmgren has served on the Satanta District Hospital, Clinics & LTCU Board for 24 years. Dan is a small business owner and has been a pillar of the Satanta community since 1983. His leadership extends to the Satanta District Hospital Board, where he has been the board chair since January 2018. Dan's business knowledge and unwavering commitment to his community have provided exceptional leadership to the SDH Board. You will not find a stronger advocate for local health care than Dan. Health care is not always glamorous. Sometimes, you must make difficult decisions that the public may or may not understand. Dan and the SDH Board work hard to ensure every decision is not only in the best interest of the hospital but also the community in which they serve.

Kenton Weltmer has served on the Smith County Memorial Hospital Board for 12 years. Kenton demonstrates exceptional leadership in hospital governance. As chair, he is instrumental in guiding the hospital through challenges and ensuring its ongoing success. His strategic vision and commitment to rural health care were crucial in constructing Smith County Memorial Hospital's leading-edge facility that opened in 2018. His expertise and guidance were invaluable in navigating the complexities of this ambitious project, resulting in a state-of-the-art health care institution. Additionally, his dedication to the hospital's financial stability has been remarkable. In an increasingly challenging economic environment for Critical Access Hospitals, his astute decision-making and fiscal prudence have been crucial in maintaining the hospital's strong financial health.

Sister Pam Young has served on the board at Ascension Via Christi Health, Inc. Wichita, for 28 years. Sister Pam has served Via Christi for nearly three decades, most recently completing six years on the health care system’s board of directors. This includes a seat on the executive committee, chairing the mission committee and sitting on the governance, quality and patient safety committees. During her years at AVCH, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Sister's stoicism remained as she confidently introduced new perspectives and insights to a challenging time. As a part of the board's quality and patient safety committee, Sister Pam contributed guidance and counsel to leadership with holistic, high-quality care in mind. That guidance was the prelude to four hospitals earning the coveted Leapfrog "A" grade for patient safety in 2024.

Please join me in congratulating all our 2024 Trustee of the Year nominees. Thank you for making a difference. We hope you will be able to join us to celebrate their commitment and leadership during the KHA Awards Ceremony on Sept. 5 in Overland Park.
--Chad Austin