Communications

(July 31, 2026) – It is a pleasure to announce that Les Lacy, RN, vice president of regional operations at the Great Plains Health Alliance, has been selected to receive the Kansas Hospital Association's 2026 Charles S. Billings Award.

The Charles S. Billings Award was established in 1971 to recognize distinguished service and outstanding contributions to health care in Kansas. We reserve this award for those who have truly demonstrated commitment, leadership and dedication to that noble pursuit. Les, the 46th recipient of this award, has exemplified these qualities throughout his nearly five-decade career in health care, caring for others and promoting healing and comfort.

From a young age, Les was drawn to health care, helping his father, a practicing dentist. That early experience sparked his passion for serving others. At 18, he earned his EMT certification and began serving his community as a first responder. He then worked in the lab, and as an orderly, supporting nearly every department as a "universal worker." After earning an associate degree in nursing, Les served as a registered nurse at St. Catherine Hospital, Stanton County Hospital, Walsh District Hospital, several Colorado hospitals and Cheyenne County Hospital. He worked in nearly every area of nursing, including the OR, ICU, emergency department, medical-surgical care and OB. His leadership led to roles in supervision, management and nursing administration. In 1993, while working as a PRN nurse at Cheyenne County Hospital, he was named hospital administrator, a role he held for 19 years. In October 2012, Les became the vice president for regional operations for the Great Plains Health Alliance, where he continues to lead by sharing knowledge, teaching and mentoring others.

Les has demonstrated leadership in local, state and regional health care initiatives for decades. His service includes the High Plains Rural Health Network, the State Network Council, the Kansas Advisory Council on Trauma, the Kan-Ed User Advisory Council and the Sunflower Foundation Board.

Les's service to the Kansas Hospital Association and Kansas hospitals is reflected in his long-standing commitment to advancing hospitals and rural health across Kansas. Through his involvement on statewide boards, councils and advisory groups, he has brought thoughtful leadership, practical experience and a strong voice for community hospitals. His service includes the Kansas Health Education and Research Foundation (now Healthworks) Board, beginning in 2007, where he served as chairman in 2011. Les was a member of the Council on Health Delivery, the Emergency Technical Advisory Group and he chaired the QHi Executive Committee. Les served on the KHA Board from 2013 to 2017. During that time, he served on several board committees, including the Bylaws and Nominating Committee (now the Governance Committee) and the Rural Health Visioning Technical Advisory Group. Nationally, Les was our Kansas delegate on the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board. Together, these roles demonstrate Les's sustained support for KHA's mission and his dedication to strengthening health care for Kansans.

Les has had a lasting impact on patients, staff, communities and rural health care in Kansas. His career reflects not only longevity, but also a deep, steady commitment to service, excellence and mentorship. He has served in a wide range of clinical and administrative roles, giving him a rare understanding of hospital operations at every level. Colleagues know him as a leader who is willing to teach, share knowledge and support others' growth. He consistently invests in people, strengthens organizations and helps rural hospitals adapt and thrive in a changing health care environment. Les brings integrity, humility, practical wisdom and a genuine dedication to doing what is best for patients and communities.

Congratulations, Les! We look forward to officially bestowing this prestigious honor on him at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Overland Park. I invite you all to attend the KHA Awards Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, where Les will receive the Billings Award and other health care leaders will be honored.
--Chad Austin