SCK Health has hired a new CEO.
Leonard Hernandez replaces former CEO Jeff Bowman, who announced his retirement in September.
According to a press release from the Ark City hospital Saturday, Hernandez signed an “initial” two-year agreement and started Monday.
“I am excited to become a part of SCK Health,” Hernandez said. “The opportunity to lead one of 18 Rural Emergency Hospitals nationally that are leading the way in keeping rural healthcare viable for local residents was definitely an attraction to come to Arkansas City. I look forward to working with the board, physicians, staff, and the community in creating a model that others will definitely want to duplicate.
“Together, we can and will do this! Joni and I look forward to relocating to Arkansas City as soon as possible to truly become a part of the community.”
Starting out as a Radiologic Technologist, Hernandez has spent more than 40 years in healthcare, mostly in leadership roles at small Kansas hospitals, the hospital said.
Prior to SCK Health, Hernandez was the CEO at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado for three years. Before that, he was the CEO at Coffey Health System in Burlington for five years. He was also the CEO at Morton County Health System in Elkhart for nine years.
“Throughout his career, Mr. Hernandez has championed rural healthcare, he has served on several boards and committees including the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board, as a past chairman of the Kansas Hospital Association, and currently acts as chairman of the BCBSKS board,” the press release stated. “Hernandez was recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as a ‘Rural Hospital & Health System CEOs to Know’ five years in a row and has been actively involved in healthcare policy and advocacy.”
Bowman said he’s excited for Hernandez and the hospital’s future.
“While I will miss SCK Health and the team, I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved through the years and most recently the new REH designation,” Bowman said. “We have laid the groundwork for SCK Health to be viable and sustainable as the first REH in Kansas.
“Mr. Hernandez is inheriting an amazing team and with his extensive experience, and community support, SCK Health will be the best REH in Kansas!”
