Communications

(Aug. 2, 2024) – It is a pleasure to announce that Dennis Franks, CEO of Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, has been named the recipient of the Kansas Hospital Association's 2024 Charles S. Billings Award.

The Charles S. Billings Award was created in 1971 to recognize distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the field of health care in Kansas. We reserve this award for those who have shown their commitment, leadership and dedication to that noble pursuit. Franks, the 44th recipient of this award, has certainly demonstrated these qualities during his devoted 43-year health care career.

For 18 years, Dennis has served as the CEO at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute. Under his leadership, the hospital has been recognized with more than 150 awards for exceptional quality and service. Modern Healthcare magazine has also named it one of the best places to work in health care for 15 consecutive years. In addition to its 25 inpatient beds, during Dennis' tenure, NMRMC has added two rural health clinics, an orthopedic clinic and an on-site corporate clinic, and has expanded women's health services. The hospital follows the motto, "Never Underestimate the Difference You Make."

Dennis has been a dedicated advocate for Kansas hospitals and their communities. One example of this commitment is his tireless advocacy for Medicaid expansion. In Neosho County, many rural residents are considered working poor, earning too much to qualify for Medicaid and too little to afford health insurance. For that reason, Dennis has worked on several initiatives, including KHA's "Kansas Solution" to a "Bridge to a Healthy Kansas" to more recent advocacy efforts. Dennis has dedicated many hours to promoting the benefits of Medicaid expansion to the state of Kansas, Kansas hospitals, and most importantly, the Kansans who would have access to care if the program was expanded.

His leadership in health care has been felt on a local, state and national level. One regional effort includes the SEK Impact Center for Wellness, Education and Business. This facility houses a 300-person conference center, children's therapy services and a new orthopedic clinic. More than $7 million was raised to fund the project through grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the State of Kansas Department of Commerce, dozens of businesses, local donors and other sources. Dennis envisioned creating a space to meet the region's professional and wellness needs, forming the Neosho County Health Task Force, a group of local service agencies. This group identified a need for a large meeting space to host educational opportunities, corporate training and conferences. At the time, the closest facility to host a group of 300 was 60 miles away. It was with pride that the SEK Impact Center for Wellness, Education and Business opened in January 2024.

Dennis served as a member of the KHA Board of Directors from 2011-2020 and served as chair in 2019. He also served on the Healthworks (then KHERF) Board of Directors from 2010-2016 and was chair in 2014. He chaired the SE District from 2008-2009 and has served on numerous KHA committees, including the KHA Leadership and Governance Committee, the KHA Executive Committee, the KHA Political Action Committee, the Rural Health Visioning Technical Advisory Group and the Medicaid Provider Assessment Committee. Dennis served on AHA's Grassroots Advocacy Committee for Rural Hospitals, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas' Provider Advisory Committee and the KUMC Rural Health Advisory Board. He also is a Baldridge Fellow.

Congratulations to Dennis! We look forward to officially bestowing this prestigious honor to him during the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Overland Park. I invite you all to attend the KHA Awards Luncheon at noon on Sept. 5, when Dennis will receive the Billings Award and additional health care leaders will be recognized.
--Chad Austin