Shannon assists private physician offices who desire to convert to RHC status & provides technical assistance to RHCs in maintaining compliance with the SC Department of Public Health. Shannon also provides technical assistance in billing & coding, EHR implementation, & practice mgmt for all RHCs. Prior to joining the SC Office of Rural Health, Shannon worked in multiple physician practices. She has experience in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Urology, Peds, & many other specialties. Shannon has been a certified professional coder with the AAPC since 2006. She is also a Notary Public for the State of South Carolina since 2001. Shannon was a key player in the creation of NARHC’s RHC Clinic Manager Certification and serves at NARHCs president.

With over fifteen years of experience in emergency medicine—from EMS and nursing to senior administration—Kevin Surdi has personally led many organizational and culture change initiatives. 

He’s also worked with a variety of frontline healthcare professionals, middle management, executive teams, and leadership development programs. As a result, Kevin provides valuable insights regarding relationship dynamics

within organizations. In addition, his emergency medicine experience has trained him to be comfortable in fast-paced, rapidly changing environments and high-stakes situations—

and to empathize with those working in similar conditions. 

Helping others is Kevin’s passion, as evidenced in his work as both a trainer and a registered nurse. When he facilitates, Kevin ensures that everyone understands the material and can walk away with a new perspective on complex situations.

Nathan Baugh is the Executive Director of the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC). Prior to becoming the Executive Director in July of 2022, Nathan was the Director of Government Affairs for NARHC and in this role he was instrumental in the passage of the Rural Health Clinic Medicare payment reforms signed into law as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This legislation was the most significant overhaul to the rural health clinic program in the last twenty-five years. As Executive Director, Nathan provides strategic direction for NARHC and is still involved in RHC advocacy priorities from telehealth to Medicare Advantage.

Sarah is the Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC). She leads both regulatory and legislative federal policy efforts for the organization and provides direct technical assistance and education to RHCs across the country. Sarah advocates for reimbursement policies that incentivize and support rural primary care and other health services. Prior to joining NARHC, Sarah worked for the Pennsylvania State Office of Rural Health. She earned her BS in Health Policy and Administration from Penn State University and her Master of Public Health from the Penn State College of Medicine. Sarah resides in Alexandria, Virginia.

Mr. Gill is the senior PA with a provider based rural health clinic in one of the most rural counties remaining in Florida and serves as the RHC resource for Advent Health. He participates in state and national rural health issues and remains a frequently requested speaker. John is a Past President of NARHC and the current President of NARHC’s Research and Education Foundation.

Tressa R. Sacrey is the Director of Compliance and Education for HSA. Her passion for education is evident in every aspect of her work.  Key areas of responsibility include creating policies, developing emergency plans, facilitating hazard training, researching CMS regulations, conducting on-site compliance mock surveys, and creating forms and tools to assist RHC’s across the nation.

Sara Wells has accumulated nineteen years of experience as a Registered Nurse, with a diverse background spanning various clinical settings such as the Emergency Room, Cardiac Cath Lab, Cardiology, Same Day Surgery, and Med Surg. Over the past nine years, Sara has served as the Director for Kirby Medical Center's Rural Health Clinics and Urgent Care, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to advancing rural health and spearheading solutions and best practices to address the needs of both patients and staff.

Nathan Baugh is the Executive Director of the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC). Prior to becoming the Executive Director in July of 2022, Nathan was the Director of Government Affairs for NARHC and in this role he was instrumental in the passage of the Rural Health Clinic Medicare payment reforms signed into law as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This legislation was the most significant overhaul to the rural health clinic program in the last twenty-five years. As Executive Director, Nathan provides strategic direction for NARHC and is still involved in RHC advocacy priorities from telehealth to Medicare Advantage.

With over fifteen years of experience in emergency medicine—from EMS and nursing to senior administration—Kevin Surdi has personally led many organizational and culture change initiatives. 

He’s also worked with a variety of frontline healthcare professionals, middle management, executive teams, and leadership development programs. As a result, Kevin provides valuable insights regarding relationship dynamics

within organizations. In addition, his emergency medicine experience has trained him to be comfortable in fast-paced, rapidly changing environments and high-stakes situations—

and to empathize with those working in similar conditions. 

Helping others is Kevin’s passion, as evidenced in his work as both a trainer and a registered nurse. When he facilitates, Kevin ensures that everyone understands the material and can walk away with a new perspective on complex situations.

Katie Jo Raebel has more than 20 years of experience in audit and accounting ser-vices, focused exclusively in healthcare. She specializes in Medicare and Medi-caid reimbursement issues. Katie Jo is known nationwide for her knowledge of ru-ral health clinic certification and reimbursement issues. In addition, she helps or-ganizations determine the best certification options to experience the most bene-ficial gain from Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.

Nathan Baugh is the Executive Director of the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC). Prior to becoming the Executive Director in July of 2022, Nathan was the Director of Government Affairs for NARHC and in this role he was instrumental in the passage of the Rural Health Clinic Medicare payment reforms signed into law as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This legislation was the most significant overhaul to the rural health clinic program in the last twenty-five years. As Executive Director, Nathan provides strategic direction for NARHC and is still involved in RHC advocacy priorities from telehealth to Medicare Advantage.

Sarah is the Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC). She leads both regulatory and legislative federal policy efforts for the organization and provides direct technical assistance and education to RHCs across the country. Sarah advocates for reimbursement policies that incentivize and support rural primary care and other health services. Prior to joining NARHC, Sarah worked for the Pennsylvania State Office of Rural Health. She earned her BS in Health Policy and Administration from Penn State University and her Master of Public Health from the Penn State College of Medicine. Sarah resides in Alexandria, Virginia.

David is a graduate of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri where he earned a degree in Business Administration emphasizing Finance. He has extensive experience in accounting and all financial aspects of medical practices. He has worked intensively on financial management of medical practices since 1992. David is currently licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Missouri. David is responsible for the preparation of client cost reports, financial projections, and North American's internal accounting system. David completes more than one hundred and fifty cost reports annually for FQHCs and RHCs across the country.

Shannon assists private physician offices who desire to convert to RHC status & provides technical assistance to RHCs in maintaining compliance with the SC Department of Public Health. Shannon also provides technical assistance in billing & coding, EHR implementation, & practice mgmt for all RHCs. Prior to joining the SC Office of Rural Health, Shannon worked in multiple physician practices. She has experience in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Urology, Peds, & many other specialties. Shannon has been a certified professional coder with the AAPC since 2006. She is also a Notary Public for the State of South Carolina since 2001. Shannon was a key player in the creation of NARHC’s RHC Clinic Manager Certification and serves at NARHCs president.

Kate Hill, RN, is a graduate of Einstein Medical Center School of Nursing. She joined The Compliance Team in 2012 to direct its Rural Health Clinic Accreditation program where she fell in love and admiration for clinics providing healthcare to rural areas in the U.S. 

Today, Kate is VP of Client Success at The Compliance Team, where she continues to be a champion of rural health clinics, their staff, and their patients. Combining her clinical expertise, business acumen, and passion for delivering the best care to every patient, she has personally worked with more than 2,000 rural health clinics to help them overcome their many challenges. 

She presently serves on the Board of NRHA and feels fortunate to be asked to speak at numerous state and national meetings about RHC compliance countrywide. It’s through these ongoing interactions and long-standing relationships in the industry that give her a firsthand perspective of the diverse regional issues clinics are currently facing. 

Kate lives in suburban Philadelphia near her two daughters, three granddaughters, and is happy to share photos anytime.

Aubrey Haynes is the Finance Director at Pillow Clinic, an Independent Rural Health Clinic in Helena, Arkansas. She has over eight years of experience in healthcare finance and care management program development. Aubrey is an alum of Louisiana Tech University where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. While the bulk of her experience comes from working in a Rural Health Clinic, she got her start in healthcare finance when working at Pafford Emergency Medical Services while attending college in Ruston, LA. Directly after graduation, she started at Pillow Clinic as a billing clerk where she quickly worked her way into the Billing Manager Position. Within her first year working in a Rural Health Clinic, she became a Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional who dedicates her time to leading and implementing changes at Pillow Clinic. In June of 2019, Aubrey implemented a Chronic Care Management program that grew to consistently serve 1,000 patients per month. In 2023, Aubrey was elected to the NARHC Board of Directors and she will serve as Vice President for 2025.

Aubrey and her husband, Dylan, live in Avilla, Arkansas with their three Labradors. Together they enjoy waterfowl hunting and watching their Labradors compete in Hunting Retriever Champion Hunt Tests but when the weather sends the duo indoors, they enjoy entertaining and cooking for their friends.

Mark Barclay is the Director of Member Services for 3RNET. In this role, Mark serves as the primary support contact for 54 3RNET members, and the over 1,500 rural and underserved facilities across the country that utilize 3RNET. Prior to working for 3RNET, Barclay recruited for 36 Critical Access Hospitals and 4 FQHCs as the Workforce Specialist at the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Barclay also helped establish TruServe, a web-based tracking system used by State Offices of Rural Health and Primary Care Offices  nationwide. In 2013, Barclay gained certification as a Physician/Provider Recruitment Professional by the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment. Mark has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of North Dakota.

Charles is President and CEO of North American Healthcare Management Services, which has provided RHC, RCM, and EHR services for RHC and FQHCs since 1992.

Charles is the Executive Director of The Rural Advantage ACO, approved for Medicare Shared Savings Track A. The Rural Advantage is designed specifically for RHCs and FQHCs.

North American currently provides comprehensive RCM, EHR Hosting, RHC/FQHC compliance, RHC/FQHC Billing, 340B Management/Audit, Provider Enrollment and many other services to physicians, hospitals, RHCs, and FQHCs across the country.

Charles is the immediate past-president of the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, Past-President of the Illinois Rural Health Association. Charles represents the Illinois Rural Health Association annually at the National Rural Health Association Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. Charles served on the National Association of Rural Health Clinics board for 15 years, two of those years were as President.

Charles provides educational sessions and webinars on billing and compliance to state and private organizations across the United States.

Sarah is the Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC). She leads both regulatory and legislative federal policy efforts for the organization and provides direct technical assistance and education to RHCs across the country. Sarah advocates for reimbursement policies that incentivize and support rural primary care and other health services. Prior to joining NARHC, Sarah worked for the Pennsylvania State Office of Rural Health. She earned her BS in Health Policy and Administration from Penn State University and her Master of Public Health from the Penn State College of Medicine. Sarah resides in Alexandria, Virginia.

Elliot has been the clinic administrator for two independent NARHC member rural health clinics in Louisiana at St. Landry Family Healthcare in Washington, Louisiana, and Har-mon Medical Clinic in Opelousas, Louisiana.  

Elliot has opened and successfully operated three rural health clinics since starting in family practice in 2014.  He is also the clinic administrator and operator for a third non rural health clinic. His service area includes rural areas in south central Louisiana. In addition, he has opened a behavioral health clinic in those rural health clinics.   Elliot has operated and practiced as a family nurse practitioner in rural health since 2014 and as a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2022.  He has worked in rural health since he has graduated as a nurse practitioner in 2013 and has over 10 years of experience in rural health.   He is board certified as a family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner and has also obtained his doctorate in nursing practice in 2020.  He also published his dissertation titled “The Development and Evaluation of an Informational Repository to Assist Family Nurse Practitioners with the Establishment of Primary Care Clinics in Rural Areas.”

 In addition, he received the 2023 Nurse Practitioner Excellence Award from the Louisiana Board of Nurse Practitioners and the Louisiana Dis-trict IV 2024 Nursing Excellence Award.  He also received in June from the American Acad-emy of Nurse Practitioners the Louisiana Nurse Practitioner State Award for Excellence.  

Elliot has spent his career working in rural health operating clinics while also practicing as a clinician that has provided a unique administrative and clinician skill set that can assist in giving a unique perspective in rural health.  He also is currently serving on the National Association of Rural Health Board (NARHC) and on the Policy Committee.  

Rural health clinics across the United States are facing brand new threats. Recognized cybersecurity expert, Daniel Schwartz, is bringing his best defense strategies to NARHC - strategies that are working in health clinics across the US that he serves every day. 

For almost 20 years, rural health clinics have gone to Design I.T. Solutions for their I.T. and Cybersecurity needs. Daniel’s vast knowledge and experience has allowed Design I.T. Solutions to surpass other managed service providers in meeting the unique needs of practices like yours. 

While other MSP’s sell packages that suit the I.T. company and not the client, Design I.T. Solutions is committed to providing their clients with high-quality service that supports exactly what they need – nothing more, nothing less. 

Daniel’s clients benefit greatly through this partnership, and appreciate the fact that Design I.T. Solutions has “great personalized customer rapport, reasonable prices, and are always on the cutting edge of technology and security.” (- Mary Glaze, Moscow Family Medicine)

Daniel Schwartz is the Founder and President of Design I.T. Solutions and is a member of the Forbes Technology Council – an elite group of executive-level industry leaders. As a full service I.T. provider, Design I.T. Solutions is the “one-stop shop” for all your clinic’s I.T. needs.

Tressa R. Sacrey is the Director of Compliance and Education for HSA. Her passion for education is evident in every aspect of her work.  Key areas of responsibility include creating policies, developing emergency plans, facilitating hazard training, researching CMS regulations, conducting on-site compliance mock surveys, and creating forms and tools to assist RHC’s across the nation.