Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital c/o Morgan Hunter HealthSearch
Application
Details
Posted: 20-Mar-26
Location: Wakeeney, Kansas
Type: Full Time
FACHE Credential:
FACHE Credential Preferred
Organization Size:
$5 million to $24 million
Organization Type:
Freestanding Hospital / Medical Center
Salary Range:
Not specified
Work Experience:
General Management / Executive / Administration
Financial Management
Required Education:
Masters
Additional Information:
Employer will assist with relocation costs.
Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital (TCLMH) in Wakeeney, KS, is a county-owned 17-bed critical access hospital providing inpatient, emergency and outpatient services. Rural health clinics are located in WaKeeney and Ellis. An attached 37-bed Long Term Care unit, 16-bed Assisted Living complex, and Home Delivered Meals complete the package by providing all aspects of care under one roof.
TCLMH recently completed a major $13.6 million renovation and expansion project. The project held its official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on February 26, 2025, with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly in attendance. Key Features of the expansion include; a) 11 new private patient rooms, b) a new, modernized emergency room, c) therapy upgrades such as expanded physical and occupational therapy suites, featuring three private treatment rooms and a new aqua therapy (hydrotherapy) pool, d) remodeled clinic space for new physicians, e) addition of four assisted living apartments, and f) an expanded laboratory designed to provide more privacy for patients.
TCLMH has 115 FTEs, including a medical staff consisting of two physicians, two physician assistants, and two nurse practitioners (including one specializing in behavioral health), generating $17.5M in net patient revenues.
The CEO reports to the five-member TCLMH Board of Trustees (appointed by County Commissioners to three-year terms) and is responsible for general management and supervision of all aspects of the organization, including operations, finance, patient care, and service line development. Supervises the executive team of the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Long-Term Care Director of Nursing, and Human Resources Director, as well as several department directors.
Trego County is a rural county located in west-central Kansas, along Interstate 70, halfway between Kansas City and Denver. Known for its wide-open prairies and limestone bluffs, it has a population of approximately 2,800 residents as of the 2020 census. The county seat and largest city is WaKeeney, a historic rural community known as the "Christmas City of the High Plains." The town is famous for its massive holiday display, a tradition since 1950 that features a 35-foot Christmas tree and over 6,800 lights. With a population of approximately 1,800, Wakeeney offers a variety of shopping, restaurants (from national chains to local fare), and amenities. Additional options are available in Hays, a community of over 21,000 with a state university, located just 30 miles east on I-70.
Cedar Bluff State Park & Reservoir is a premier outdoor destination in Trego County, Kansas, known for its striking 150-foot-tall limestone bluffs. The park features full-hookup RV sites, over 100 water/electric sites, more than 100 primitive sites, playgrounds, a BMX track, an archery range, and a designated swimming beach. Cedar Bluff Reservoir is a 6,800-acre body of water popular for boating, jet skiing, and fishing. It is considered one of the state's premier walleye fisheries. Other activities include hiking and wildlife viewing.
TCLMH is seeking an energetic, strategic and visionary leader to guide TCLMH through the complex issues and reimbursement challenges currently facing rural healthcare organizations. The CEO will demonstrate excellent communication and relationship skills and can work with a diverse group of people, including the board, staff, physicians, donors, community partners and patients. TCLMH seeks individuals who will foster a culture of collaboration, be approachable, thoughtful, ethical and possess the business acumen to maintain and enhance the organization’s financial viability.
A master’s degree in healthcare or business administration or related field is required, with FACHE-designation preferred.
Experience in a critical access hospital is strongly preferred.
A minimum of five years’ senior leadership experience is required, and previous CEO experience preferred (but not required).
Candidates should have demonstrated leadership accomplishments in the overall improvement of strategic, financial and operational performance of an organization.
Candidates must present with excellent communication and listening skills.
The right candidate is a leader who is visible, engaging, has an open-door policy, does not micro-manage, and breaks down silos by encouraging teamwork.