Rural Health Association Names CEO

Cara Veale

The board of directors for the Indiana Rural Health Association has selected Cara Veale as the association’s next chief executive officer. Veale, who currently serves as vice president of provider services at Daviess Community Hospital, will begin her new role in July.

Veale succeeds current CEO Don Kelso, who is retiring at the end of July. The IRHA says Veale and Kelso will work together on the transition through the end of the month.

“While we had several excellent candidates, Cara stood out during the interview process, which included face-to-face interviews and direct discussions with the IRHA senior team,” Mark Vonderheit, IRHA board president said in a news release. “We believe she can continue to develop the forward-looking vision at IRHA and help the association continue to elevate its level of service to rural hospitals and medical professionals.”

Veale began her career in at Daviess Community Hospital in 2007 as an occupational and has since held several roles, including director of rehabilitation therapy, chief patient experience officer, and executive director of provider services.

“This represents a tremendous opportunity and I’m excited for this new role of service,” Veale said. “A great team is already in place at IRHA and I look forward to working with Don as I transition into the position.”

The IRHA says Veale has previous worked with the association to establish a school telehealth clinic in Daviess County.