Salina Regional Health Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Garnas, Administrator of North Central Kansas Medical Center, as the health system’s new Vice President of System Operations, effective March 1.
Garnas brings more than 30 years of experience in health care leadership across Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado and Kansas. For the past seven years, he has served as the Administrator in Concordia, where he has played a pivotal role in strengthening health care services and advancing key operational initiatives for Cloud County and the surrounding region.
During his tenure, Garnas led the successful transition from the former Cloud County Health Center to the new North Central Kansas Medical Center on College Drive – an achievement that significantly enhanced access to modern health care services in north central Kansas. Under his leadership, NCKMC has experienced growth in market share, improved recruitment outcomes and greater overall stability in the region’s health care infrastructure.
“Dave’s leadership in Concordia has driven significant progress in recruitment and operations, culminating in the successful replacement hospital project in 2022,” said Joel Phelps, President and CEO of Salina Regional Health Center. “In his new role, Dave will provide this expertise and leadership to all of our facilities.”
“The positive impact Dave has had on our community, and within our health care system, truly cannot be overstated,” said Chuck Lambertz, NCKMC Board of Trustees President. “His leadership, dedication and commitment have helped shape the trusted, high-quality care our patients rely on every day. While he will be deeply missed in his current role, we are grateful that in his new position he will remain actively involved with our medical center and continue to be a strong local voice and advocate for our shared mission of serving others. Through our affiliation with Salina Regional Health Center, we are confident that great care will be taken to identify a successor who will build upon this strong foundation and continue to support our community and lead our medical center team with excellence.”
With Garnas transitioning into his new, system-wide role, the Boards of Trustees for NCKMC and SRHC will partner with Buffkin Baker, a national executive recruitment firm, to begin the search for the next Administrator at North Central Kansas Medical Center.
“I am honored to step into the role of Vice President of System Operations,” Garnas said. “It has been a privilege to serve the Concordia community, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together at North Central Kansas Medical Center. I look forward to supporting our entire health system in this new capacity and continuing the work of strengthening access, quality and operational excellence across the region.”
