The 15th Rural Hospital Administrators’ Summit was held on April 29–30, 2026, at the Best Western Plus Landmark Inn in Park City. The event was sponsored by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Primary Care and Rural Health, in partnership with the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration.
The two-day summit convened a diverse cohort of administrators and healthcare professionals to address critical challenges impacting rural communities, featuring a moderated dialogue regarding the strategic future of health services in Utah. The agenda prioritized several high-level topics, including comprehensive workforce development strategies and the complexities of health professional licensure. Participants also explored artificial intelligence within the medical field, alongside innovative advancements in Utah’s oral health systems and the enhancement of maternal healthcare services for rural populations.
A major highlight of the summit was the awards ceremony, which recognized four rural healthcare leaders for their outstanding dedication and transformative work.
Alan Olive, CEO of Ashley Regional Hospital, was honored with the CEO of the Year Award for achieving national recognition for safety and quality and setting a new standard for rural medicine in the Uintah Basin.
The Innovation Award went to Jeremy Lyman, President of Blue Mountain Hospital, for leading the landmark merger with the Utah Navajo Health System, which has streamlined care and expanded access for residents of San Juan County.
Jamison Robinette, President of Cedar City Hospital, received the Outreach and Community Engagement Award for viewing his hospital as a true community partner and bringing vital screenings and wellness education to local families.
Finally, Kurt Forsythe, President of Delta & Fillmore Community Hospitals, was presented with the Leadership Award for setting a high bar for rural healthcare and championing professional growth for his peers across the state. The awards celebrate the commitment of these leaders to ensuring stable, high-quality care throughout rural Utah.
