Wilson Medical Center Board Named 2026 Kansas Hospital Association Board of the Year

In the News, Press Releases, Uncategorized | 08/17/26

Neodesha hospital trustees recognized for visionary leadership, collaboration and commitment to rural health care

NEODESHA, Kan. (Aug. 17, 2026) — Big things are happening in rural health care, and the Wilson Medical Center Board of Trustees is helping lead the way. The Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) has named the Wilson Medical Center Board of Trustees a 2026 Board of the Year, recognizing the board’s exemplary leadership, innovative governance, and unwavering commitment to strengthening health care for Wilson County and communities throughout Southeast Kansas. Wilson Medical Center is one of only two hospital boards in Kansas selected for the prestigious 2026 honor.

KHA recognized the board for routinely going beyond the call of duty and demonstrating the vision and courage required to navigate unprecedented challenges facing rural hospitals. The Board has embraced collaboration over competition, championed innovative approaches to health care delivery, and consistently looked beyond the walls of Wilson Medical Center to consider what is best for patients, communities, and the future of rural health care.

“Strong rural health care does not happen by accident. It takes people who are willing to see beyond today and make decisions that protect access to care for generations to come,” said Doug Stacy, CEO of Wilson Medical Center. “Our Board of Trustees has demonstrated that kind of leadership again and again. They ask the hard questions, embrace new ideas, support our team, and most importantly, understand that the strength of Wilson Medical Center is deeply connected to the strength of the communities we serve. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.”

Among the board’s most significant achievements has been its support for the creation of Southeast Kansas Health, a regional cooperative bringing hospitals and behavioral health organizations together to address shared challenges. The Board also supported an innovative executive leasing agreement with Labette Health, strengthening regional relationships while positioning Wilson Medical Center for long-term sustainability and growth.

These decisions reflect a broader philosophy of governance: think boldly, collaborate generously, and keep the community at the center of every decision. Board members regularly engage with community leaders, elected officials, healthcare partners, and residents to understand evolving needs and identify opportunities to improve access, workforce sustainability, and health outcomes across Southeast Kansas.

“The impact of this Board reaches far beyond the hospital,” Stacy said. “Their leadership has helped create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and community stewardship—and that is shaping what health care can look like in Southeast Kansas.”

The 2026 Wilson Medical Center Board of Trustees includes Chad Estes, Chairman; Justin Newland, Vice Chair; Michael Springer, Secretary; Amy Brown, Drew Johnson, Mitchell Peitz and Miranda McKellar, MD, Treasurer.

The Wilson Medical Center Board of Trustees and the Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems Board of Trustees, based in Beloit, were selected as the 2026 KHA Boards of the Year by the KHA Board of Directors following recommendations from a committee of hospital CEOs and trustees. The award will be presented during the KHA Awards Ceremony on Sept. 11 in Overland Park.

In honor of the recognition, the Wilson Medical Center Foundation will receive a $500 donation from KHA.

For Wilson Medical Center, the award represents more than an accolade. It is a recognition of what can happen when rural health care leaders are willing to think differently, work together, and lead with the future in mind.

Read the official Kansas Hospital Association media release here. 

About Wilson Medical Center

Wilson Medical Center is a trusted Critical Access Hospital serving the Southeast Kansas region since 1913. With a dedicated team of board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals, WMC provides 24/7 emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, advanced diagnostics and imaging, surgical care, primary care, and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy services. The hospital also offers specialized programs such as swing bed rehabilitation, a specialty clinic, and hyperbaric and wound care, ensuring patients have access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home. Committed to promoting, improving, and restoring health, Wilson Medical Center continues to expand its services and partnerships to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Southeast Kansans. Learn more at www.wilsonmedical.org.

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