RHAU Board President

Dr. Matt McCullough is the Rural Hospital Improvement Director for the Utah Hospital Association. In this role, he serves as the Director of the Rural 9 Network and Flex Program Coordinator for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. From 2020 to 2023 he was the Director of Telehealth Services for the Utah Telehealth Network (UTN), where he was responsible for telehealth services, operations, strategic planning, and development of new sites and services. He was also the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center (NRTRC), which is an HRSA-funded program that assists healthcare providers with telehealth program implementation, training, and education in the seven-state region of AK, WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, and UT. From 2017 to 2020 he was the Director of the State Office of Primary Care and Rural Health. In this role, he supported all of the rural hospitals and clinics in the state with federal and state resources to improve quality of care, financial and operational capacity, and workforce development. He also worked in local government at the City of Farmington, Utah where he was the GIS and IT Administrator for over 9 years. In 2021, he received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Utah in Health Geography.

RHAU Board Immediate Past President

Kurt R. Loveless, MBA, has been working in healthcare since 1991 after he graduated with a BA from UT Pan American in Edinburg, Texas. His first experience in healthcare was as an auditor, auditing the Edinburg Hospital. Mr. Loveless quickly discovered a passion for healthcare and went to work for the Edinburg Hospital in 1993. He went on to earn his MBA from Emporia State University, in Emporia, Kansas. Mr. Loveless has worked as a hospital CFO for 15 years, Regional Vice President for 8 years, CEO for seven years, and is currently serving as the CEO at Kane County Hospital in Kanab, Utah.

Throughout his career, Mr. Loveless has served on numerous Boards of Directors. He served as President of the UT-Pan American Alumni Association, Secretary for the Wichita American Red Cross board, and President of the Two Rivers Youth Soccer Association. In addition, Mr. Loveless was a Rotarian, where he was both Secretary and President. Mr. Loveless has served in several board leadership positions for HFMA, the Healthcare Financial Management Association. In his role as Regional Vice President, Mr. Loveless sat on 21 separate hospital and surgical center boards ranging from private equity companies to District, County, and 501c3 nonprofit boards.

Mr. Loveless and his wife Taffy Loveless, reside in Kanab, Utah where they enjoy their work and service in the community. They also enjoy the outdoors and hiking. Mr. Loveless considers himself a servant leader and finds that being available to help others be successful is his greatest personal success in business. He loves being a coach and mentor to young professionals who are building their careers.

RHAU Board Vice President

Melissa J Hinton, DNP, FNP-BC, CARN-AP, is a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner with board certifications in Family and Addiction medicine (subspecialty) and training both Pulmonary and Pain Medicine. A nurse for over 35 years in emergency, critical care and Life Flight, Dr. Hinton had a strong foundation in health care and completed her Masters (2009) and Doctorate (2011) degrees at the University of Utah. Melissa's experience owning a private practice with an emphasis in addiction recovery and mental health, and as the medical director of an inpatient addiction recovery facility in southern Utah has drawn her to work as an advocate in underserved populations.

Dr. Hinton champions women in healthcare, mental wellness, working as an influence for indigenous persons to obtain a college degree, essential to Native American/minority autonomy. Melissa is the Utah Nurse Practitioners Legislative Chair and has served on the board as President/Immediate Past President. She has actively worked for equitable care and removal of legislative restrictions to practice for Utah’s nurse practitioners, winning monumental legislation from 2019 to 2023 for patient choice and access to care.

RHAU Board Secretary

Chaz Whitbeck is a board-certified Physician Assistant who is currently the site director for the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program, St. George campus. He is also an Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator. Chaz received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Dixie State University and completed his Physician Assistant training at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN graduating with a Master of Medical Science degree. Chaz began his Physician Assistant career working in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Ogden, UT. He currently works in rural medicine at the Enterprise Valley Medical Clinic in Enterprise, UT, and occasionally in the Emergency Department at St. George Regional Hospital.

Chaz is actively involved in the didactic year as a Clinical Associate and Faculty Advisor. He also is involved with teaching the Anatomy, Musculoskeletal, and Urology courses. Chaz's research interests include preventative pediatric medicine, alternative forms of pain treatment, tobacco prevention and cessation, and healthcare access in rural populations. In his free time, he enjoys going to his children's various events, vacationing with his family, and reading.

Board Board Treasurer

Angie grew up on a small family farm in Northern Utah, where she developed a deep appreciation for rural life and the close-knit communities it fosters. She moved to Price to attend nursing school at the College of Eastern Utah, beginning a 20-year career dedicated to caring for friends, neighbors, and underserved populations in rural areas. She worked in multiple areas of nursing throughout her career including, medical/surgical unit, home care and hospice, and case management or the United Mine Workers of America.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Brigham Young University–Idaho in 2020 and recently completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Utah in 2024, specializing in adult-geriatric populations.

For the past four years, Angie has worked with the Huntsman at Home–Rural program, delivering specialty support and compassionate care to cancer patients in Eastern Utah. Her professional focus centers on bridging healthcare gaps for rural residents, fostering collaboration, and strengthening local care networks to ensure that communities receive the resources and support they need.

Angie resides in Price, Utah with her husband and two children. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time in the mountains or exploring the rich historic sites of Eastern Utah and traveling.

Board Member

Dr. G.J. Willden grew up in the Gunnison Valley. He graduated from Snow College; and then continued his undergraduate education at the University of Utah where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He graduated from the University Of Utah School Of Medicine in 2004. He subsequently completed a Family Medicine residency at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah before returning to the Gunnison Valley in 2007 to begin his medical practice. In 2012 Dr. Willden began practicing exclusively in the Emergency Department at Gunnison Valley Hospital and continues to enjoy providing medical care to those who present for emergency services.

When not in the emergency room, Dr. Willden enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and their four children, working on his father’s farm, and living an active lifestyle.

Board Member

Russell Sorenson, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist providing mental health services through integrated healthcare at a rural family medicine clinic in Richfield, Utah, where he sees patients from Sevier, Wayne, Millard, Piute, and Sanpete counties. He practices from an integrated approach by utilizing humanistic, psychodynamic, developmental, cognitive, and behavioral approaches to tailor treatment to best fit the needs of his patients.

Dr. Sorenson earned his undergraduate degree in psychology at BYU-I, his master’s degree in community counseling at the University of Oklahoma, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology at Pacific University. Through practicums, internships, residencies, and post-educational employment, he has gained experience in settings that include domestic violence centers, inpatient hospitals, outpatient community care centers, college/trade schools, pre-doctoral intern supervision, neuropsychological assessment teams, and family medicine practices. He enjoys a wide variety of activities, including BBQ/smoking, hiking, gardening, camping, disc golf, fishing, board games, beard growing, and just about anything with family and friends.

Board Member

Dr. Glen S. Olson has been Practicing General and Family Dentistry in Mt. Pleasant for 19 years, after returning to his rural Utah roots in July of 2003. Dr. Olson is a Graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry class of 2000. He then was commissioned a Captain in the United States Air Force and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at Ehrling Bergquist Hospital at Offutt AFB, Omaha NE. Dr. Olson then completed his military service at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota.

Dr. Olson was born and raised in Ephraim, graduating from Manti High School in 1990. After serving as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montana and Wyoming he continued his education at Snow College, graduating with an A.S. degree in 1995. While at Snow College, Glen met his wife, AnnJeanette Kellett, from Moroni Utah. Dr. Olson and His wife then attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City, where AnnJeanette earned her B.A. in Elementary Education, and Glen earned an early acceptance to UNMC, College of Dentistry. Dr. Olson had a goal of returning to rural Utah to Practice Dentistry, as he and his wife come from multi-generational Sanpete Families. They were thrilled with the opportunity to return to Sanpete after serving at Grand Forks AFB. 

Dr. Olson has always been involved in community service and activities, including providing free dental screenings for Sanpete Head Start Pre-school for the past 18 years. Dr Olson and His wife are the parents of 4 boys, they enjoy gardening, hiking, fishing, and tending their small orchard.

Board Member

Logan is a Licensed Prevention Specialist, and the Director of Prevention for the Southwest Behavioral Health Center as well as a Regional Prevention Director for the state of Utah. He started in prevention as the president of a college prevention club while attending Utah Tech University, and has worked as a Program Supervisor in Youth Corrections. His undergraduate degrees are in Criminal Justice & Psychology, and he has graduate degrees in Sociology & Mental Health & Wellness. Logan is a Co-Founder of the Utah Prevention Coalition Association emeritus Chair of the Utah Prevention Network, and a graduate of the National Coalition Academy. He also teaches sociology at Utah Tech University. Logan has worked for the Southwest Behavioral Health Center since 2008, and absolutely loves his job and his colleagues!

Board Member

Kirk Benge is the Health Officer and Director of the TriCounty Health Department, serving Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah Counties in Utah. Benge has worked in public health for over 19 years, including 11 years in the infectious disease laboratory, 5 of which were as Section Chief of Virology and Immunology. Benge has also worked  in informatics and as Health Officer and Director of the San Juan County Health Department, as Chair of Utah's Health Advisory Council, and as Transition Team Advisor for the Office of Utah Governor-Elect Spencer J. Cox. Benge currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at HCNEU.org, on the Utah Healthcare Workforce Financial Assistance Program Advisory Committee, and as a board member for Mountainlands Community Health Centers.

Board Member

Chance began his career in healthcare in Respiratory Therapy at Uintah Basin Healthcare. He loved working in the hospital in all of the different departments getting to work with everything from new babies to the elderly. He worked as a staff Respiratory Therapist for 5 years and then became the manager of the department for another 5 years. Along the way he decided to go back to school and obtained an MBA in healthcare. Since then he has been working as the Director of Physicians clinics for Uintah Basin Healthcare. Chance loves Respiratory Therapy and will always miss the direct patient care aspect of healthcare, that being said he loves the people and physicians that I have the opportunity to work with now.

Chance says that rural Healthcare is a fun and challenging environment to work in. He loves to engage with his organization’s physicians and help facilitate their needs. He loves working in rural healthcare as the patients are his friends and neighbors and he loves that. Chance has learned a lot about Rural Health in the clinics, and looks forward to participating on the RHAU board and getting to rub shoulders with others in similar situations.

Chance and his wife have 4 amazing kids that he says stretch him and his wife in new ways everyday. Both Chance and his wife are both from Utah County but have grown to love the country life that they get out in the Uintah Basin.

Board Member

Mark C. Holyoak is an experienced healthcare executive and CEO of Castleview Hospital in Price, with over 25 years of hospital leadership experience focused on improving patient care, strengthening operations, and expanding access to rural healthcare.

He returned to Castleview as CEO in 2024 after previously serving in the role from 2011 to 2018, when he led key operational improvements, physician recruitment, and facility expansions that enhanced rural healthcare services. He has also served as CEO of Wilson Medical Center in North Carolina and Lourdes Health in Washington, where he oversaw service expansion and system improvements.

Holyoak began his career as a nurse before moving into executive leadership across multiple states and systems. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix, a BS in Nursing from Creighton University, and a BS in biology and chemistry from Southern Utah University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Professional in Patient Safety. He is recognized for his commitment to rural healthcare and community-focused care.

He and his wife Patrice have five children and nine grandchildren and live in Castle Dale, Utah.

Board Member

Shane was raised in Payson, Utah, where he graduated high school before pursuing higher education at Utah Valley University. There, he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Architectural Woodworking, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.

After completing his undergraduate studies, he began a career with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in the Aquatics Section, where he gained valuable experiences in environmental and biological sciences. Ultimately, motivated to expand his impact in healthcare, Shane went on to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Manchester University College of Pharmacy, graduating in 2018.

Following his licensure, he began his pharmacy career at a rural critical access hospital in Northeast Indiana, where he developed a strong foundation in patient-centered care in a close-knit community setting. He later transitioned to a large, 800-bed medical center in Las Vegas, gaining experience in a high-volume, urban healthcare environment.

Ultimately, Shane’s passion for rural healthcare and community-focused service led him back to Utah, where he accepted the position of Director of Pharmacy at Blue Mountain Hospital in Blanding. In this position, he has served for the past six years, leading pharmacy operations and supporting quality patient care in a rural setting. He is particularly passionate about advocating for the expansion of services that allow patients to receive high-quality healthcare closer to home, improving access and outcomes in underserved communities.

Board Member

Dr. Hall grew up in Arizona and Idaho and earned his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He completed his family medicine residency at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and spent a decade practicing in Utah Valley before working in rural Mississippi, Alaska, and Nevada. Across these settings, he served in outpatient care, hospital medicine, pediatrics, and hospice, with a focus on complex patients, end-of-life care, and underserved populations.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Hall has precepted numerous medical students and residents and now serves full-time at Rocky Vista University. He also led a physician response team to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake, where he helped create a program connecting Haitian medical students with international clinicians to continue their training.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys time with family, working with his hands, horses, trail running, and travel. He speaks fluent French and is learning Spanish.

Board Member

Michael Taylor serves as Chief Information Officer for Rural Health Group and Central Valley Medical Center, bringing more than 25 years of information technology leadership experience with a strong focus on advancing healthcare through innovation, strategic infrastructure, and digital transformation. In his role, he oversees technology initiatives that support both operational excellence and improved patient access, particularly within rural healthcare settings.

Throughout his career, Mike has played a key role in major electronic medical record (EMR) conversions and the expansion of telehealth services across multiple service lines, helping broaden access to specialty care and enhance the patient experience in underserved communities. His leadership is centered on leveraging technology to create stronger, more connected healthcare systems that meet the evolving needs of both providers and patients.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix and is deeply committed to the future of rural healthcare in Utah. As a lifelong resident of Mona, Utah, he brings both professional expertise and personal investment in the success of rural communities.

Mike and his wife have been married since 1997 and are proud parents of three children. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, traveling, camping with his wife, and spending time side by side riding with family and friends.

Student Board Representative

Born and raised in Price, Utah, Mike graduated from Carbon high school, served a two year mission in Finland, and moved to Cedar City to study at SUU. There he married Mariah Lunt, who is now an X-ray technologist. He graduated from SUU  summa cum laude  with a Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies (2025). In his free time, Mike loves playing board-games with his wife, watching Thunder basketball, and slinging discs on the disc golf course. 

Now pursuing a D.O. degree at Rocky Vista University, Mike is heavily involved in research, leadership, and service. He is the Board President for Red Rock Resilience, a service organization aimed at increasing youth understanding of mental health in rural Utah. After working at a youth group home and while currently working on the Crisis Text Line, Mike has learned that connection and understanding are a critical tool in healing and wellness. Having the privilege to be a part of the physician patient interaction is Mike’s why in medicine. He pursues medicine with an interest in Rural Psychiatry and expanding access to mental health support.