Board of Directors

The Center’s 10 board members — all national experts in the field of rural health who have had careers in academia, research, industry, government, private foundations and consulting — bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to their work, as well as a deep commitment to the health and well-being of the country’s rural residents.

Board members are tasked with setting the strategic direction of The Center’s work and helping to cultivate a vibrant workplace culture.

President (Center) | Chief Manager (RHI) | Associate Dean for Rural Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus

Secretary | Former Executive Director of Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network

Member | Director of Programs & Services for Michigan Center for Rural Health

Member | Vice President of Strategy, Learning, and Communications for HealthForward

Vice President | Program Area Director and Co-Director, NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis

Treasurer | CEO of St. James Parish Hospital

Member | Director of Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, Minnesota Department of Health

Member | Vice President for Research, Innovation and Evaluation, Episcopal Health Foundation

President Elect (Center) | Assistant Chief Manager (RHI) | Chief Transformation and Integration Officer, MercyOne/Trinity Health

Member | Vice President, Rural Health Care and Governance, California Hospital Association

Ray G. Christensen, MD

Pat Schou, RN, BSN, MS, FACHE

Crystal Barter, MSA

Eusebio Diaz, MA

Alana Knudson, PhD, EdM

Mary Ellen Pratt, MHA

Zora Radosevich

Shao-Chee Sim, PhD, MPA

Jesse Tischer, MHA, FACHE, NRP/PC-C

Peggy Wheeler