SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Six members of Regional West’s leadership team were recently recognized for completing the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Leadership Institute program at the NHA annual convention in LaVista.

According to the NHA, the NHA Leadership Institute is 10-month initiative to help emerging healthcare leaders gain leadership skills and competencies through a series of interactive sessions. The program is also an opportunity for leaders to meet with other peers across the state to develop relationships and see other healthcare facilities firsthand.

Regional West’s participants included Kynzie Lentfer, BSN, RN, CLC, Birth and Infant Care Center director; Jodi Willats, MSW, Case Management director; Michelle Keener, BSN, RN, nurse manager in Regional West Physicians Clinic-Surgery, Vascular Diagnostics and Specialty Clinics; Christy Walters, BSN, RN-C, 2 West Medical-Surgical Services director; Jason Palomo, BS, Cybersecurity, Network+, Security+, IT Infrastructure director; and Brady Shaul, Facilities Management director.

Palomo reflected on his positive experience in the program and expressed appreciation for the opportunities it created.

“My experience at NHA this year has been incredibly valuable. I've gained a wealth of knowledge on leading teams and had the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with individuals from all areas of healthcare across the state of Nebraska,” he said. “It's been an unforgettable experience that has further strengthened my leadership skills and broadened my network.”

Chief Human Resources Officer Stacie Kallsen, M.Ed, SHRM-CP, said the NHA gives Regional West a unique opportunity to help grow its own leaders.

“I am very appreciative of our CEO, Mel McNea, for encouraging Regional West to be part of the NHA, with the Leadership Institute being just one of the many ways the NHA supports us in our quest to become great,” Kallsen said. “There is always much work to be done at home, so I am proud of the incredible commitment that these leaders have made to join the NHA Leadership Institute. The NHA provides an amazing opportunity that encourages growth, engagement, and collaboration, and I am proud of where Regional West is going as a result.”

About Regional West

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West features an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics. Regional West offers comprehensive and innovative healthcare services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.