Get to know NRHA's 2016 candidates
Two members are vying to be NRHA's president-elect and two more for NRHA’s Board of Trustees secretary position. Multiple others are nominated for Board of Trustees and Rural Health Congress positions. Please review each officer candidate's nomination submission below in advance of the voting period beginning Nov. 3 for NRHA members. The president-elect will serve in that role in 2016 and as president in 2017. Tommy Barnhart for president-elect "In my 40-plus year health care career I have seen tremendous change but none as dramatic or all-encompassing as we are now experiencing or about to undergo. In my consulting experience, I have been extensively involved with rural providers of all types and would leverage that experience in my NRHA presidency. NRHA is the strongest voice for rural health and needs strong leadership during these changing times. "NRHA must continue to advocate for sustainable payment systems while new systems are developed, tested and implemented while advocating for sustainable rural workforce and delivery programs. "The rural delivery system was developed by complex regulatory and payment “silo” provisions that inhibit the development of new high quality patient-centered systems of care that are more cost effective. Through a thoughtful approach we can develop new systems of care and payment. "I can provide leadership necessary to guide NRHA into the future." Dave Schmitz, MD, for president-elect "I ask for your vote for NRHA’s president-elect. The Save Rural Hospitals Act is but one example of what we are doing together through NRHA, making a difference for rural health care today and for the future. "I ask for your vote to allow me to continue serving NRHA by leading our rural health mission at a time of unprecedented importance. NRHA is the one place where our collective experience and expertise can benefit those we are serving. "Together at NRHA our voice is louder and smarter. As a constituency group chair, leading NRHA issues groups, in policy writing and through our NRHA projects, I am constantly inspired by our organization and our members. Spanning my time from being an NRHA Rural Health Fellow to being humbled by the 2014 NRHA Volunteer of the Year Award, I have continued to channel my energies and experience toward this next step in NRHA leadership. Thank you for your support."