Kasey DeLynn Shakespear Named Executive Director of RHAU

SAINT GEORGE, UT — The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) has taken a historic step forward, naming Kasey DeLynn Shakespear, MHA, MPH, MA, as its first-ever full-time, fully dedicated Executive Director. This pivotal appointment marks a new era for RHAU as it strengthens its commitment to championing rural health across the state.

Born and raised in rural Utah, Shakespear’s roots run deep in the communities he now serves. His early years were spent in St. George before moving at age 8 to the small town of Tropic, Utah—a community of about 600 residents nestled near Bryce Canyon National Park. Shakespear’s academic excellence was evident from the start, graduating as Valedictorian of Bryce Valley High School’s Class of 2007.

Following high school, Shakespear’s journey led him to Southern Utah University (SUU) for a year before he embarked on a full-time church mission in Peru. Upon his return, he re-enrolled at SUU, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Zoology in 2014.

Following his time at SUU, Shakespear completed three master’s degrees in just two years. He earned dual master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration and Public Health from the University of Utah while simultaneously pursuing an online Master’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University.

Shakespear’s career began at the Utah Center for Rural Health at SUU, where he spent eight years spearheading grant programs focused on rural health initiatives. His leadership also played a vital role in growing RHAU, ultimately paving the way for this new chapter as the association’s Executive Director following the conclusion of its partnership with SUU.

During the 2024 Annual RHAU Conference, Kurt Loveless, RHAU’s Board President, officially introduced Shakespear as the organization’s Executive Director. “We are very fortunate to have Kasey,” said Loveless. “The RHAU Board is very excited to enter a new chapter under Kasey’s leadership.”

Reflecting on his career path, Shakespear shared, “I didn’t enter my career looking to focus on rural health, but rural health hunted me down all the same. My family helped settle much of southern Utah, and those communities are where many of my family and friends still live. They are home.” His passion for RHAU and rural health radiates in all aspects of his work and vision for the future.

The appointment of Shakespear as Executive Director positions RHAU for continued growth, advocacy, and impact on rural health initiatives across Utah.

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