Door County Medical Center (DCMC) congratulates Brian Stephens, CEO, on the completion of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Rural Hospital CEO Certification Program. This program was developed by successful rural hospital CEOs for rural hospital CEOs to help them strengthen their leadership skills and lead their hospital to success. An individual with this certification is recognized as someone qualified to lead a rural hospital with excellence.  NRHA's Rural Hospital Certification Programs are facilitated by the Center for Rural Health Leadership.

According to NRHA CEO Alan Morgan:  "Leadership is the biggest predictor of rural hospital success." Today's rural hospitals and clinics face tremendous challenges and uncertainty and are closing at an unprecedented rate.  One in every three rural hospitals has been identified as "at risk." Thus underscoring the need for highly-qualified problem solvers.

Stephens has served as DCMC's CEO since early 2019, following a series of leadership roles within the organization. During his tenure, he has been pivotal in steering the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing ongoing challenges faced by rural health facilities, particularly those related to revenue and reimbursement. Participating in this program alongside a cohort of CEOs from across the nation further enhances his already-solid foundation of critical thinking.