Overview

The MHA Small, Rural Hospital Committee identifies and reviews issues to develop recommendations and proposals. Any issues relevant to rural health care can be considered including legislative, regulatory and public policy positions initiated by MHA membership and staff. The committee encourages greater interaction with national, state and local organizations concerned with rural health issues.

Committee members for 2012 include:

• Chair: Ben Koppelman, President & CEO, St. Joseph's Area Health Services Inc., Park Rapids
• Richard M. Ash, Chief Executive Officer, Ortonville Area Health Services
• Bradley Burris, Chief Executive Officer, Pipestone County Medical Center
• Brian J. Carlson, President & CEO, Lake View Memorial Hospital & Home, Two Harbors
• Glenn Christian, Chief Operating Officer, Mayo Clinic Health System - Cannon Falls
  
• Candace C. Fenske, Administrator, Madelia Community Hospital
• Toby Freier, President, New Ulm Medical Center
• Chuck Hofius, Chief Executive Officer, Perham Health
  
• Susan K. Klassen, CEO & Administrator, Mahnomen Health Center
• Jim Koppen, Administrator, Essentia Health Sandstone
• Michael Mahoney, Vice President, Public Policy, Essentia Health, Duluth
• Mike Motley, Vice President, Regional Operations, Essentia Health East Region, Duluth
  
• Bill Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, Mille Lacs Health System, Onamia
• Keith Okeson, President & CEO, LifeCare Medical Center, Roseau
• Todd Sandberg, CEO/Administrator, Sibley Medical Center, Arlington
  
• Colleen A. Spike, Chief Executive Officer, River's Edge Hospital & Clinic, St. Peter
• Jeffry Stampohar, Chief Executive Officer, Deer River HealthCare Center
• Daniel J. Swenson, Administrator/CEO, CentraCare Health System - Long Prairie
• Bobbe L. Teigen, Chief Executive Officer, Paynesville Area Health Care System
• Randy Ulseth, Chief Executive Officer, FirstLight Health System, Mora
• Al Vogt, Chief Executive Officer, Cook Hospital & C&NC
• Patricia Wangler, Chief Executive Officer, Essentia Health Fosston
• Kimber L. Wraalstad, Administrator, Cook County North Shore Hospital, Grand Marais
• Staff: Ann Gibson, Vice President of Workforce/Federal Relations, Minnesota Hospital Association, St. Paul