HaysMed Celebrates Senior IT Manager Kiel Emerson’s Graduation from KHA Leadership Institute
HaysMed is proud to recognize Kiel Emerson, Senior IT Manager, on his graduation from the 2026 Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Leadership Institute.
The KHA Leadership Institute is a highly respected program designed to develop and empower emerging healthcare leaders across Kansas. Participants are nominated by their hospital’s CEO and selected for their leadership potential, commitment to excellence, and ability to drive innovation within healthcare organizations.
As Senior IT Manager, Kiel plays a vital role in advancing the underlying technology that supports patient care. His leadership helps ensure caregivers and staff have the tools and resources needed to provide exceptional care to patients across western Kansas. Over the past 12 years, Kiel has grown through multiple IT roles at HaysMed, gaining valuable experience and demonstrating a continued commitment to innovation and service.
“Kiel’s dedication to continuous learning and professional growth reflects the values we strive to cultivate at HaysMed,” said Danny Kelley, Executive Director of I.T. at HaysMed. “His commitment to leadership, collaboration, and innovation strengthens our organization and positions HaysMed to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”
The KHA Leadership Institute provides participants with opportunities to enhance leadership skills, build relationships with healthcare leaders from across the state, and gain valuable perspectives on the future of healthcare in Kansas.
HaysMed congratulates Kiel Emerson on this achievement and looks forward to the continued impact of his leadership to supporting exceptional healthcare for our patients, Associates, and communities.
KHA Leadership Institute Class of 2026 included:
Braden Anderson – Morton County Health System – Elkhart
Gordon Beightel – Community HealthCare System – Onaga
Amanda Bernbeck – Logan County Health Services – Oakley
Kelsey Brin – Rooks County Health Center – Plainville
Emilee Brown – SCK Health – Arkansas City
Jennifer Carmichael – Hutchinson Regional Medical Center – Hutchinson
Leasha Couchman – Lane County Hospital – Dighton
Kiel Emerson – HaysMed – Hays
Catrina Fickel – Labette Health – Parsons
Henrique Gebara – Freeman Fort Scott Hospital – Fort Scott
Julie Goetz – Salina Regional Health Center – Salina
Amy Huerter – Nemaha Valley Community Hospital – Seneca
Rana Ingram – Clara Barton Medical Center – Hoisington
Stacey Knowles – Meade District Hospital/Artesian Valley Health System – Meade
Sam Lane – Pawnee Valley Community Hospital – Larned
Lacy Lawrence – Greeley County Health Services – Tribune
Jordan McKittrick – Decatur Health – Oberlin
Taylor Mead – Greenwood County Hospital – Eureka
Shelly Moss – Coffey County Hospital – Burlington
Agatha Nickelson – Pratt Regional Medical Center – Pratt
Shane Olson – Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems – Beloit
Heather Rankin – Kiowa District Healthcare – Kiowa
Carla Renyer – Sabetha Community Hospital – Sabetha
Penny Showalter – Rice Community Health – Lyons
Bridget Tillitson – Grisell Memorial Hospital District #1 – Ransom
Caley VanLoenen – Graham County Hospital – Hill City
April Walker – NMC Health – Newton
Lori Williams – Holton Community Hospital – Holton
Aubrey Winegarner – Cheyenne County Hospital – Saint Francis
