Lexington Regional Health Center Leaders Graduate from Nebraska Hospital Association Leadership Institute

Lexington Regional Health Center is proud to announce that Austin Eldredge, Karen Rojas, and Magali Ruiz have successfully completed the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Leadership Institute, a prestigious 10-month program designed to develop current and emerging healthcare leaders across the state of Nebraska.
The NHA Leadership Institute provides healthcare professionals with opportunities to strengthen leadership skills, expand industry knowledge, and build valuable connections with peers from hospitals and health systems throughout Nebraska. Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum focused on leadership development, organizational management, communication, healthcare operations, and strategic thinking.
Each year, approximately 40 healthcare professionals are selected to participate in the program. Through interactive coursework led by expert faculty from Bellevue University and healthcare industry leaders, participants gain practical tools to help them grow as leaders and make a greater impact within their organizations and communities.
"The NHA Leadership Institute has been a great experience. It has helped me look at healthcare from a much larger perspective," said Austin Eldredge, Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation Manger. "There were many valuable lessons from other healthcare leaders and how they approach different challenges throughout their organizations. It's helped me think beyond just my own department and better understand how teamwork and leadership can make a difference across the hospital and the communities we serve."
Karen Rojas, Human Resources Generalist shared, "The most valuable thing I learned from this class is that great leaders never stop learning and growing. As a new leader, the real-life discussions and perspectives shared by classmates and instructors helped me see situations from different viewpoints, strengthen my leadership skills, and become a more thoughtful and confident leader."
For Magali Ruiz, RN, CSCT, Infection Control and Employee Health Nurse, one of the greatest takeaways was the opportunity to learn from others. "One of the biggest things I took away from the NHA Leadership Institute was learning how important it is to listen and learn from others. It also showed me that great leaders come in many different styles. It helped me become more thoughtful in how I communicate and connect with people," Ruiz said. "The connections and perspectives I gained through the program are something I will continue to value throughout my career. I am also grateful to have been nominated to participate in the program. It was a valuable experience, and I appreciate the support and investment in my professional growth that made it possible."
Lexington Regional Health Center remains committed to investing in leadership development and providing opportunities for employees to grow professionally. By supporting participation in programs such as the NHA Leadership Institute, LRHC continues to strengthen its leadership pipeline and enhance the care and service provided to patients and communities across the region.
About the Nebraska Hospital Association Leadership Institute
The NHA Leadership Institute is a comprehensive leadership development program that combines core leadership competencies with applied healthcare management practices. Coursework focuses on the unique challenges facing hospitals and healthcare organizations while preparing participants for future leadership roles. The program's mission is to advance the effectiveness of Nebraska hospitals by providing a high-quality environment for professional development and supporting healthcare leaders as they grow their skills and careers.