Board of Directors | National Rural Health Resource Center

The Center’s 11 board members — all national experts in the field of rural health who have had careers in academia, research, industry, government, private foundations, and consulting — bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to their work, as well as a deep commitment to the health and well-being of the country’s rural residents. Board members are tasked with setting the strategic direction of The Center’s work and helping to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.

President (Center) | Assistant Chief Manager (RHI) | Associate Dean for Rural Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus

Treasurer | Former Director of Montana Office of Rural Health

Chief Manager (RHI) | Vice President (Center) | Former Vice President for Business Planning and Management, American Red Cross

Secretary | Executive Director of Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network

Secretary (RHI) | Member (Center) | CEO of Nebraska Times, LLC

Dennis Berens

Program Director

Consultation Program Specialist II

Member | Program Area Director and Co-Director, NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis

Member | CEO of St. James Parish Hospital

Member | Director of Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, Minnesota Department of Health

Member | Vice President for Research, Innovation and Evaluation, Episcopal Health Foundation

Member | President and CEO of Health Forward Foundation

Member | Chief Transformation and Integration Officer, MercyOne

Jesse Tischer