The Small, Rural Hospital Committee identifies and reviews issues to develop recommendations and proposals. Any issues relevant to rural health care can be considered including legislative, regulatory and public policy positions initiated by MHA membership and staff. The committee encourages greater interaction with national, state and local organizations concerned with rural health issues.

Small, Rural Hospital Committee members for 2008 include the following individuals:

• Chair: Al Vogt, Chief Executive Officer, Cook Hospital & C&NC
• Rick Breuer, CEO & Administrator, Community Memorial Hospital, Cloquet
• Thomas Crowley, Chief Executive Officer, Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Wabasha
• Jason T. Douglas, Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Hospital & Health Care Center, Moose Lake
• Christine Harff, Chief Executive Officer, MeritCare Thief River Falls Northwest Medical Center
• Mark Henke, Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Hospital Luverne
• Susan K. Klabo, CEO & Administrator, Mahnomen Health Center
• Ben Koppelman, President/CEO, St. Joseph's Area Health Services, Park Rapids
• Jeffrey Lang, Administrator, United Hospital District, Blue Earth
• Scott C. Larson, CEO & Administrator, Madison Hospital
• Frank Lawatsch, Chief Executive Officer, Swift County-Benson Hospital
• Michael Milbrath, Executive Vice President, Waseca Medical Center - Mayo Health System
• Dennis C. Miley, Administrator, Tri-County Hospital, Wadena
• Steven T. Moburg, CEO & Administrator, Paynesville Area Health Care System
• Roger B. Oberg, Administrator, Long Prairie Memorial Hospital & Home
• Keith Okeson, Chief Executive Officer, Roseau Area Hospital & Homes, Inc.
• Daniel J. Reiner, CEO & Administrator, Mille Lacs Health System, Onamia
• Mary J. Ruyter, Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Medical Center
• Jeffry Stampohar, Chief Executive Officer, Deer River Healthcare Services
• Daniel Swenson, Administrator/CEO, Appleton Area Health Services
• Jesse G. Tischer, Administrator/CEO, Wheaton Community Hospital
• Patricia J. Townsdin, Chief Executive Officer, Minnesota Valley Health Center, Le Sueur
• Tim E. Zwickey, Chief Executive Officer, Pine Medical Center, Sandstone
• Staff: Ann Gibson, Federal Relations Director, Minnesota Hospital Association, St. Paul