Roundup Memorial Healthcare Clinic CEO Spotlight

How do you see RMH changing under your leadership?

My expectations for RMH are to hold people accountable for our collective goals, both in the setting of those goals and how we go about reaching them. I believe leadership starts with setting a good example for your staff to emulate while building trust and a team-based approach to problem solving. When staff feel they are heard and their opinion is valued, they identify with the organization as being an integral part of any successes or failures as their own, creating buy in. I look at RMH as a living entity that needs to be nourished to grow and improve while still providing structure so that growth happens in a thoughtful and meaningful direction.

What is your biggest goal for RMH?

I want RMH to be the first choice in healthcare for Roundup and the greater region. RMH should be the first choice based on the high quality of those services, attention to the person's whole well-being, and true dedication to seeing improvement in health outcomes for our community. The providers and nursing staff we have right now are phenomenal and are working in a team-based manner to become the gold standard in care. Our aging facility needs to be updated and I plan to systematically update the entire building in partnership with our amazing grant writer, Theresa Doumitt. She is truly a gift for rural health and we have a shared vision for RMH, so I am excited to see what we can do together.

What changes have you made for RMH if any, or what changes do you plan to make if applicable?

So far, I've been able to implement some changes to our organizational structure, moving people/positions to better fit situations. Also, we have successfully recruited multiple nurses, a radiology tech, and other new staff to bring on great talent for RMH. Funding has been secured for multiple projects, including new computers and hardware, a timekeeping system, and ultrasound sterilizer. Change can bring new opportunities for utilizing the talents of our current staff and I have enjoyed getting to know my wonderful staff who are all dedicated to RMH and Roundup.

How do you work with the community to benefit the RMH?

RMH and the community need to work together for mutual benefit in improving access to care, elevating our expectations of care, and the support of our hospital and local providers. I would love to partner with the school system and local organizations to plan and implement coordinated services for mental health. The hospital has the ability to bring in visiting providers or connect via telemedicine, as well as looking into creative ways to provide services in different settings. As long as RMH and the community can have open dialogue and communication, we will be able to adjust to the changing needs of our population in a more dynamic manner and be responsive.

What would you like the community to know about you?

I was raised in rural towns and understand the advantages and challenges that go along with in a living small community. Because of my dedication to rural health, I will always put the hospital and it's staff first in my decision-making. For the community, this means that I want our hospital to become the pride of Roundup, a place where you want to come for care as the first choice and recommend to your friends and family. I put all of my knowledge and skills into my role as CEO and take this responsibility very seriously. A Critical Access Hospital is often the core of that community, being one of the largest employers and a vital component in the local economy. My job is to lead this hospital in growth financially to strengthening the local economy, and providing good jobs where people like coming to work.

Are you currently living in Roundup?

Yes, we are living in Roundup, currently renting a house near the hospital and have enjoyed the convenience of being in town. The neighborhood has been very welcoming! We are looking for a home to purchase in the area and hope to make this our long term residence.

Do you have children?

Yes, Josh and I have two boys. Tripp is a sixth grader and Finn is in fourth grade. They are making new friends, playing soccer and love being closer to our families in Culbertson and Bozeman.

What are your hobbies?

I love to go fishing, especially fly fishing and find it is a great stress reliever when combined with camping and family. When I do have free time I like to shop for antiques with my mom and sister, collecting various glassware. Josh and I are softball players and have played on competitive teams for many years. As a family, we try to travel each year to make memories together that will last a lifetime.