Board of Directors

The Center's Board of Directors represent national rural health leaders who are proven experts in the field.
Group portrait of Center and RHI Board Members

The Center’s 8 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.

Ray G. Christensen, MD

Past President (Center) | Chief Manager (RHI) | Associate Dean for Rural Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus
Headshot of Ray G. Christensen

Crystal Barter, MSA

Secretary | Director of Programs & Services for Michigan Center for Rural Health
Crystal Barter

Eusebio Diaz, MA

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

Alana Knudson, PhD, EdM

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

Mary Ellen Pratt, MHA

Treasurer | CEO of St. James Parish Hospital
Headshot of Mary Ellen Pratt

Zora Radosevich

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

Shao-Chee Sim, PhD, MPA

Member | Vice President for Research, Innovation and Evaluation, Episcopal Health Foundation
Headshot of Shao-Chee Sim

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

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