Kentucky Hospital Association Elects Susan Starling as Chair

The Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) held its Annual Awards Luncheon on May 13 during the KHA 87th Annual Convention in Lexington.  The highlight of the luncheon was the installation of Susan Starling as the 2016-2017 Chair of the KHA Board of Trustees. Her term will officially begin on July 1.
Originally from Washington, DC, Starling moved to Kentucky in the 1980s and has made the state her home since that time.  She has served as the chief executive officer of Marcum and Wallace Memorial Hospital (MWMH) in Irvine for over 15 years.

During her tenure, Starling has lead the hospital through many notable successes. MWMH was the first hospital in Kentucky to be licensed as a critical access hospital. Under her leadership, the hospital was also the first Level 4 Trauma Center in the state and now serves as a model for other hospitals.

Starling is a fierce advocate for health care issues at all levels, and has even spoken on Capitol Hill in Washington to share concerns about how policies and regulations are impacting the ability of hospitals to provide care to patients in rural communities. Starling is a nationally recognized award winner for rural health care leadership including the American Hospital Association’s Shirley Ann Munroe Leadership Award and Becker's Hospital Review 50 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know and 130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know.

“I look forward to serving as chair of the KHA Board of Trustees and working with my fellow board members and colleagues from across the Commonwealth and nation,” said Starling. “It’s so important that we work together to advocate for the patients we serve. We have the opportunity to be their voice for access to quality healthcare. No one knows the needs of the community better than the people who live and work there.”

Founded in 1959, MWMH is a licensed 25-bed Critical Access Hospital providing inpatient acute care, outpatient services, emergency services with a Level IV Trauma Center, and primary care with clinics in Irvine, Beattyville and Clay City. MWMH is characterized by its family-centered care, community involvement, and progressive ideas in healthcare. MWMH is recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as a top “100 Great Community Hospital” and “6th Cleanest Hospital in Kentucky.” MWMH has extended the healing ministry of Jesus by improving the health of our communities for more than 50 years and is a major source of jobs for the region. MWMH has modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, highly-skilled professional personnel and a medical staff that offers primary care and a wide range of specialty services.

KHA was established in 1929. The Association represents hospitals, related health care organizations and integrated health care systems dedicated to sustaining and improving the health status of the citizens of Kentucky. The Association is headquartered in Louisville.