Improving the health of rural Kentuckians.

Our History


The Kentucky Rural Health Association began in 1999 as the vision of Dr. Wayne Myer, who at the time served the state as the Director of the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health.  The concept was developed according to the National Rural Health Association and their state-level organizations, which dotted the United States. Mr. Robert (Bob) Brooks served as the first elected President of KRHA, along with a Board of Directors dedicated to the mission and vision of the organization.

In 1999 KRHA hosted it’s first annual Kentucky Rural Health Association Annual Conference in Bardstown, Kentucky. The first conference hosted a unique slate of rural focused presenters, with about 60 people in attendance. Today, the KRHA Annual Conference hosts a variety of state and national level speakers to an attendance of 300 health-focused professionals and health professions students.

Over the years, the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health and the Kentucky Office of Rural Health continued to play an important role by providing administrative support to the Kentucky Rural Health Association. In 2013, after roughly 14 years of operation, the Kentucky Rural Health Association Board of Directors voted to introduce the first Executive Director position.

Through the efforts of a number of KRHA members the Executive Director position was developed and funded, with Tina McCormick being named as the first Executive Director on May 6, 2013.

Over the course of KRHA’s existence the landscape of rural health has seen drastic shifts including the Affordable Care Act and Managed Care Organizations. Through this all, KRHA has evolved to serve its’ members while staying true to the Mission and Vision of the organization – just as Dr. Myer had envisioned.

Past Presidents

While the President serves in this role for a one to two-year term, they additionally support the Board of Directors for an additional one-year term as President-Elect and an additional year as the Immediate-Past President. Please join us in thanking those who have served KRHA as President.

KaSandra Hanshaw                                                                                                                                                                                 

Elizabeth Snodgrass

Ashley Gibson                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Matt Hunt               

Noel Harilson                                                                                                                                                                                               

Andrew Bledsoe                                                                                                                                                                                               

Denise Bingham

Brent Wright

David Gross 

Sheri Erwin 

Steve Fisher

Elizabeth Cobb 

Dwain Harris 

Kayla Rose 

Susan Starling 

David Bolt 

Jennifer NeSmith 

Gregory Bausch

Julie Watts 

James Norton 

Karkie Tackett 

Darlene Eakin 

Robert Brooks 


    Become a Member of our Association today! Apply Now!

    (C) Copyright Kentucky Rural Health Association

    "Kentucky Rural Health Association" is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 750 Morton Boulevard Hazard KY 41701

    Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software