Each year, health care professionals from across Nebraska come together for the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Leadership Institute, a 10-month program designed to instruct, inspire and invigorate. Participants establish peer-to-peer connections and lifelong bonds with classmates and faculty in this program that has been developed by the Nebraska Hospital Association in 2004. Graduates from the program exhibit exceptional leadership skills and are dedicated to influencing others toward service excellence in their roles as health care leaders.
Kendra Graf, Foundation Director attended Class XIII and graduated from the Leadership Institute in October of 2016. Kendra was the fourth HCHS employee that participated in the Leadership Institute, following Manny Wolf who graduated in 2010, Suzanne Lans (2011) and Katie Fleischmann (2014). Kendra is the Director of the Harlan County Health System Foundation. The Foundation is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, whose purpose is to raise philanthropic support for capital and endowment needs of Harlan County Health System. The Foundation is committed to the wellness of the entire region. It seeks to develop lasting relationships with individuals, families and businesses who also value quality health care close to home. Under the leadership of Kendra and the Foundation Board, the Foundation is currently conducting a Capital Campaign to raise funds for a new medical clinic in Alma. This vital and badly needed Clinic renewal project will be paid for through the proceeds of the “Quality Care… Building on Excellence” Campaign.
Instruction for the Leadership Program was provided by experts from diverse departments of Bellevue University including management, leadership development, business administration and health care administration and included Executive Leadership Coaching, a 360° Assessment, Individual Development Plans, 10 Core Courses in addition to online offerings. Participation in the institute provides the individual with skills needed for creative and innovative problem solving, ability to work with a diverse clientele, fosters motivation for continuous learning, heightens visibility of leadership positions/styles, and enhances the participant’s career both personally and professionally. In addition there are many benefits for the organization from having a well trained leadership staff, these include, improved recruiting and retention of staff, increased employee motivation, greater team building with reduced internal conflict and a potential for enhanced employee performance.
Harlan County Health System is proud to have four members of the organizational leadership staff that have completed this prestigious program, learning many of the necessary skills to be exceptional leaders.
Pictured: Laura Redoutey, President Nebraska Hospital Association and Kendra Graf, HCHS Foundation Director
