SCK Health Chooses a New CEO

Written by Krista Carrillo

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Leonard Hernandez has accepted the role of CEO for SCK Health and has signed an initial 2-year agreement. Mr. Hernandez will begin his new position as CEO on Monday, December 11th.

Starting out as a Radiologic Technologist, Mr. Hernandez has spent more than 40 years in healthcare, mostly in leadership roles at small Kansas hospitals. Hernandez has held the role of CEO most recently at Susan B. Allen (3 years), as well as the Coffey Health System (5 years), and the Morton County Health System (9 years). Throughout his career, Mr. Hernandez has championed rural healthcare, he has served on several boards and committees including : the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board, as a past chairman of the Kansas Hospital Association, and currently acts as chairman of the BCBSKS board. Hernandez was recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as a  “Rural Hospital & Health System CEOs to Know” five years in a row and has been actively involved in healthcare policy and advocacy. 

When asked about taking on this role , Mr. Hernandez stated, “I am excited to become a part of SCK Health. The opportunity to lead one of 18 Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH) nationally that are leading the way in keeping rural healthcare viable for local residents was definitely an attraction to come to Arkansas City. I look forward to working with the board, physicians, staff, and the community in creating a model that others will definitely want to duplicate. Together, we can and will do this! Joni and I look forward to relocating to Arkansas City as soon as possible to truly become a part of the community.”

Mr. Hernandez will be assuming his role as we say goodbye to our current CEO, Jeff Bowman. When asked about the transition, Mr. Bowman states, “While I will miss SCK Health and the team, I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved through the years and most recently the new REH designation.  We have laid the groundwork for SCK Health to be viable and sustainable as the first REH in Kansas.  Mr. Hernandez is inheriting an amazing team and with his extensive experience, and community support, SCK Health will be the best REH in Kansas!”

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Hernandez to Ark City and SCK Health!