RHAU Executive Director Kasey Shakespear Receives ACHE Regent Early Career Healthcare Executive Award

September 18, 2026

PARK CITY, Utah —  Kasey Shakespear, Executive Director of the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU), was presented with the Early Career Healthcare Executive Award, presented by the ACHE Regent of Utah, during the Utah Hospital Association’s annual awards dinner on Thursday, September 17, at Park City Hospital.

The award recognizes an ACHE member in Utah who demonstrates leadership ability, innovative and creative management, and executive capability in developing their organization or healthcare area and promoting its growth and improvement in the community.

Shakespear received the award in recognition of his leadership in guiding RHAU through a significant period of organizational growth and transformation. Following RHAU’s transition to operating as an independent organization, Shakespear established financial management, operational, governance, and administrative systems that have created a strong foundation for the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Over the past two years, Shakespear has also expanded RHAU’s role within Utah’s healthcare community. Under his leadership, the organization has strengthened partnerships, expanded educational and technical assistance programs, increased its engagement with rural healthcare organizations and communities, and established itself as a trusted convener and advocate for rural Utah. His leadership has also positioned RHAU as a key partner in Utah’s Rural Health Transformation Plan and strengthened the organization’s role as The Voice of Rural Utah.

“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me, particularly because it recognizes the work of building an organization that I believe can have a profound impact on rural Utah for many years to come,” Shakespear said. “But I also know that leadership is never something you develop on your own. I am extremely grateful for the mentors who have invested in me, challenged me, and helped me grow—not only through ACHE of Utah, but as a healthcare executive and as a leader. I have been fortunate to learn from people who have been willing to share their experience and perspective, and I carry those lessons with me every day.”

Shakespear said the recognition ultimately reflects the work of the broader RHAU team, board, partners, and rural healthcare leaders who have helped shape the organization’s direction.

“RHAU’s success is bigger than any one person,” Shakespear said. “Our board, our partners, and the rural leaders we work with every day are the reason this organization continues to move forward. I am proud of what we have built together, and even more excited about what we can accomplish next.”

The Early Career Healthcare Executive Award adds to a growing list of recent recognition for Shakespear and RHAU, reflecting the organization’s increasing presence and influence within Utah’s healthcare community. For Shakespear, however, the award represents something more personal: an affirmation of the importance of investing in people, relationships, and the long-term work of building stronger healthcare organizations.

“Rural healthcare has always been about people coming together to solve problems that are bigger than any one organization,” Shakespear said. “That is how I approach leadership, too. I am grateful to the people who have helped me get here, and I hope to do the same for others as I continue to grow.”

The Rural Health Association of Utah is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to unifying the voice of rural Utah and strengthening rural healthcare through collaboration, education, advocacy, and innovation. RHAU serves as The Voice of Rural Utah, working with healthcare organizations, communities, policymakers, and partners across the state to improve access to quality healthcare in rural communities.