PRATT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
The Pratt Regional Medical Center (PRMC) Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Bret Kolman, CPA, FACHE, as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Kolman will began serving in the role on Tuesday, August 11.
The appointment comes as PRMC continues implementing its operational stabilization plan, with a focus on strengthening the organization's financial position while preserving local access to high-quality healthcare for Pratt County and the surrounding communities.
Kolman will serve through an executive leadership services agreement with Beeler Consulting. The PRMC Board of Directors will continue to provide governance and strategic oversight while Kolman leads the hospital's day-to-day operations in partnership with the leadership team, physicians, employees, and volunteers.
A graduate of Kansas State University with degrees in Accounting and Finance, Kolman has dedicated much of his career to serving rural communities throughout the Midwest. During nearly two decades at Lafayette Regional Health Center in Lexington, Missouri, he served in executive leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. He has also held executive leadership positions within regional health systems, bringing extensive experience in hospital operations, finance, physician collaboration, and organizational leadership.
The PRMC Board of Directors selected Kolman for his experience leading rural community hospitals, his collaborative leadership style, and his commitment to supporting employees while strengthening organizations for the long term.
"Our responsibility is to ensure PRMC remains a strong, sustainable healthcare resource for the communities we serve," the PRMC Board of Directors said. "As we looked for an interim chief executive officer, we sought a leader with proven experience in rural healthcare, strong operational and financial expertise, and a collaborative approach to leadership. Bret brings those qualities, and we are confident he will provide steady leadership while building on the outstanding care our team provides every day.”
"The Pratt County Commissioners appreciate the work of the PRMC Board of Directors in identifying an experienced leader to guide the organization during this important transition," said David Prelle Eron, Counsel for Pratt County. "Pratt Regional Medical Center is an essential resource for Pratt County and the surrounding region.
The Commissioners remain committed to working collaboratively with the Board of Directors and hospital leadership to support the long-term success of the hospital and the patients it serves."
Kolman brings decades of executive leadership and financial management experience in community hospitals. Throughout his career, he has focused on building strong leadership teams, partnering with physicians, supporting employees, and improving operational performance to ensure hospitals can continue meeting the needs of the communities they serve.
"It is an honor to join Pratt Regional Medical Center and serve the people of Pratt County," said Kolman. "My first priority will be to listen to employees, physicians, Board members, community leaders, and others who care deeply about this hospital. Together, we'll build on PRMC's strengths, address challenges thoughtfully, and continue providing high-quality healthcare close to home."
During his first several weeks, Kolman will meet with employees, members of the medical staff, community leaders, and local stakeholders to better understand the organization's strengths, opportunities, and priorities. His immediate focus will be supporting PRMC's workforce, maintaining operational continuity, and fostering open communication.
PRMC expects patient care and hospital services to continue without interruption throughout the leadership transition. The Board appreciates the outstanding work of our physicians, nurses, employees, volunteers, and medical staff, whose dedication to providing exceptional care remains at the heart of PRMC. The Board remains committed to supporting those caregivers, maintaining transparent communication, and making thoughtful decisions that strengthen Pratt Regional Medical Center for the future.