We are thrilled to welcome Lucretia Stargell as the new CEO of Goodland Regional Medical Center and Rawlins County Health Center! In a recent interview with Rollie Halligan on NWKS Radio's Good Neighbor Hour on KLOE Goodland's Gold 730, Lucretia shared her journey to this exciting role, her background, and her vision for the hospitals. Let’s dive into her story.
From the Smoky Mountains to the Flatlands of Kansas
Lucretia Stargell hails from the beautiful, rugged region of Western North Carolina, just west of Asheville in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Growing up surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lucretia had a close-knit upbringing, first attending TC Robertson High School in South Asheville and later finishing her high school education at Carolina Day School in Asheville.
She pursued her college education at Hollins University (formerly Hollins College) in Roanoke, Virginia, before earning a master’s degree at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Afterward, she spent several years working in television and journalism before transitioning to healthcare.
Career in Journalism Before Healthcare
Before taking on the role of CEO, Lucretia spent much of her early career in journalism. She started as a writer for her hometown newspaper and then worked behind the scenes as a producer for local television stations. Her journey took her to several cities across the country, including Memphis, Tennessee, Roanoke, Virginia, and Omaha, Nebraska. It was in Omaha that she made the shift from journalism to healthcare, working in marketing and media relations at the Nebraska Medical Center (now Nebraska Med).
Lucretia found her passion in the strategic and communicative aspects of healthcare, particularly in rural health settings. This interest led her to work for several small, rural hospitals in Western North Carolina, where she gained valuable experience managing two hospitals at a time—a configuration very similar to what she is now managing in Goodland and Atwood.
A Family-Oriented Leadership Approach
Lucretia’s story is also one of family and resilience. She is married to James, an accountant, and they have two daughters. Their first daughter is currently a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, while their second daughter is a sophomore in high school and a star athlete, holding multiple state championships in track and field. Lucretia is a proud mother and is excited to support her daughters' achievements, though she notes it can be difficult to manage her professional schedule alongside their athletic commitments!
The Stargell family also has three dogs, further emphasizing Lucretia’s love for animals. She has already started integrating into the community, attending local events like basketball games and connecting with community members. Her approach to leadership is grounded in building relationships, and she emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment for hospital staff, which ultimately improves patient care.
Why Rural Healthcare?
What makes Lucretia's leadership stand out is her deep commitment to rural healthcare. She is passionate about providing quality care to communities that often have limited access to healthcare services. “What I love about rural healthcare is the opportunity to work alongside others directly from the community, making decisions locally,” she shared during the interview. This hands-on, community-centered approach is what she is bringing to her role at Goodland and Rawlins County Health Centers.
In her short time as CEO, Lucretia has already noticed the dedication and loyalty of the hospital staff. Many of them have been with the hospitals for years, even decades. She understands the importance of retaining these dedicated employees and creating a positive work culture, so that both staff and patients feel supported and valued.
Looking to the Future
As she settles into her role, Lucretia is focused on strengthening the hospital's connections with the local community. She plans to continue meeting with community members, learning more about their needs, and ensuring that both Goodland and Rawlins County Health Center remain pillars of support for the area.
Lucretia's vision is clear: to foster a culture of communication, collaboration, and care. She believes that if employees feel good about their work environment, that positivity will translate into better patient experiences.
With her extensive background in healthcare, commitment to rural communities, and collaborative leadership style, Lucretia Stargill is well-positioned to lead Goodland Regional Medical Center and Rawlins County Health Center into a bright future. We’re excited to see the positive impact she’ll undoubtedly have on the hospitals and the community.
Welcome to Goodland, Lucretia!
Lucretia, we are thrilled to have you as part of the Goodland and Rawlins County community. Your dedication to improving healthcare and your down-to-earth leadership style make you a perfect fit for this role. We wish you the best of luck as you continue to make your mark in our community!
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