North Central Kansas Medical Center has appointed Curtis Hawkinson as Chief Executive Officer.
North Central Kansas Medical Center (NCKMC), a critical access hospital in Concordia, Kansas, has named Curtis Hawkinson as Chief Executive Officer. Formerly known as Cloud County Health Center, NCKMC opened its new facility in October 2022 and is an affiliate of Salina Regional Health Center, an integrated system serving communities across north central Kansas.
NCKMC offers comprehensive acute, outpatient, and rehabilitation services, including emergency care, surgery, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and pharmacy, along with a wide range of specialty clinics such as cardiology, OB-GYN, and dermatology. The organization also provides physical, occupational, and speech therapies, including specialized treatments like aquatic therapy and dry needling, supporting inpatient, outpatient, and walk-in care across the region.
In this role, Curtis will succeed David Garnas, who has served as CEO since 2017 and will transition into a system-level leadership role. Reporting directly to the health system President and CEO, Joel Phelps, and working closely with system leadership and the boards, Curtis will translate strategic, financial, and operational priorities into actionable business plans for the organization. He will also lead efforts to enhance operational efficiency and support the development and implementation of new programs and services aligned with system strategy.
Curtis will focus on building strong relationships with board members, leadership, nursing, and medical staff, while fostering collaboration across the organization and community. His leadership will be critical in advancing service line development, strengthening patient and employee satisfaction, and supporting the continued evolution of care models for rural communities in central Kansas.
Curtis brings more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, including nearly two decades as Chief Executive Officer of Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville, Kansas. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Keefe Memorial Hospital and held administrative roles at Tioga Medical Center. His career reflects a deep commitment to rural healthcare, operational excellence, and community-centered leadership. Curtis holds a Master of Business Administration from North Dakota State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Dickinson State University.
North Central Kansas Medical Center, in partnership with Salina Regional Health Center, remains committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while advancing access, innovation, and health outcomes across the communities it serves.
This search was led by Brad Veal, Susan O’Hare, and Brandon Ferguson.
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