Overview
Laurie Labarca brings over 35 years of healthcare leadership experience to her role as Executive in Residence for the Master's in Healthcare Administration program. She currently serves as the Hospital President for St. Francis, St. Teresa and Rehabilitation Hospitals at Ascension Via Christi, the largest healthcare provider in Kansas and the second-largest private employer in Wichita.
Laurie began her career as an occupational therapist at St. Joseph Medical Center and has since held key executive leadership roles within the Ascension Via Christi system, including Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer for Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Center and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Via Christi鈥檚 Wichita hospitals. Since 1995, she has played a pivotal role in hospital administration, operations, and strategic development.
A lifelong learner and advocate for healthcare leadership, Laurie earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas in 1985 and her master鈥檚 degree in Healthcare Leadership from Friends University in 2011. She currently serves at Ascension Via Christi Hospital St. Joseph while continuing to drive operational excellence, quality outcomes, and strategic growth across the organization.
Her leadership impact includes restructuring Ascension Via Christi Research, leading to cost reduction and realignment of research initiatives to support strategic priorities, quality improvement, and Graduate Medical Education requirements. Additionally, she played a key role in advocating for increased behavioral health reimbursement from the state of Kansas, strengthening mental health services in the region.
Laurie is deeply engaged in the community and serves on several boards of directors, including CiBOR, GraceMed, Heartspring, and the Wichita Center for Graduate Medical Education. She also contributes her expertise as a member of the 麻豆传媒 College of Health Health Professions Dean鈥檚 Advisory Board and has previously served on the 麻豆传媒 Student Athletic Scholarship Organization board.
As Executive in Residence, Laurie leverages her extensive hospital administration, leadership, and operational expertise to mentor students, foster industry partnerships, and contribute to the development of future healthcare leaders.