Chief Executive Officer at Cass Health – Atlantic, Iowa

Cass Health is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and community-oriented Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead one of Iowa’s highest-performing Critical Access Hospitals and rural health systems.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving, independent, health system with a strong reputation for quality, workforce innovation, financial strength, and community trust.

View the full CEO Leadership Profile here.

ABOUT CASS HEALTH:

Cass Health is a nationally recognized rural health system serving nearly 40,000 unique patients annually across southwest Iowa. With approximately $145 million in annual gross revenue, nearly 500 employees, and more than 80 employed and contracted providers, Cass Health is one of the largest Critical Access Hospitals in Iowa.

Highlights include:

• National Rural Health Association Top 20 Critical Access Hospital (multiple years)
• Top 100 Critical Access Hospital since 2017
• Named one of only three 5-Star Hospitals in Iowa by Forbes (2026)
• HFMA MAP Award for High Performance in Revenue Cycle
• Iowa’s first registered nurse apprenticeship program

Cass Health is financially stable, strategically growing, and actively implementing a multi-year Master Facility Plan that will expand clinical capacity, workforce development space, and outpatient services through 2027.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The CEO serves as the top leader of Cass Health and reports directly to an elected Board of Trustees. This role requires a visible, engaged, relationship-driven leader who can balance public governance, operational excellence, and community accountability.

A significant portion of this role is externally focused. The CEO serves as:

• The primary ambassador of Cass Health within the community and region
• A key leader in physician and provider recruitment, retention, and alignment
• A trusted partner to medical staff, providers, civic leaders, and regional organizations
• A visible and active presence in the community

Cass Health is deeply integrated into its community. The next CEO will lead not only within the hospital walls, but across southwest Iowa.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead execution of Cass Health’s strategic plan in partnership with the rest of the executive leadership team and the Board
• Lead and support a high-performing executive leadership team (CFO, COO, CIO, CMO)
• Drive physician and advanced practice provider recruitment and engagement
• Strengthen community partnerships and regional collaborations
• Ensure financial stewardship and long-term sustainability
• Oversee operational performance, quality, and workforce development
• Guide continued service growth and execution of the Master Facility Plan

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated executive leadership experience in healthcare
• Experience in a rural health system, Critical Access Hospital experience preferred
• Experience working with and reporting to a governing board
• Strong financial and operational acumen
• Proven success in physician/provider relationship building and recruitment
• Highly visible, collaborative leadership style
• Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field required

ABOUT ATLANTIC & CASS COUNTY:

Cass Health is located in Atlantic, Iowa, the county seat of Cass County and a vibrant, engaged community of approximately 6,700 residents, serving a broader county population of 13,000. Atlantic offers the character and connection of a close-knit community combined with convenient access to metropolitan amenities — located just one hour from both Des Moines, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska.

Cass County serves as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and economic activity in southwest Iowa. The local economy is diverse and stable, anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, education, and small businesses. Community leaders are highly collaborative, and healthcare leadership is deeply valued and supported.

Atlantic offers:

• A strong and engaged business community
• Three well-regarded K–12 school districts in the county
• A state-of-the-art YMCA and expanding recreational amenities
• Two 18-hole golf courses and extensive outdoor recreation
• A growing housing development initiative through Vision Atlantic
• A new child development center supporting working families
• A low cost of living and short commute times

Civic engagement and volunteerism are defining characteristics of Cass County. Leaders are visible, accessible, and integrated into the fabric of the community. For executives seeking both professional impact and personal quality of life, Cass County offers the rare opportunity to lead a high-performing health system while living in a safe, welcoming, and forward-thinking rural community.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Cass Health is conducting this search in-house with active involvement from its Board of Trustees. Questions may be directed to Cass Health Chief Financial Officer Kolton Hewlett.