Executive team
The Executive Team leads with purpose, clarity, and a shared commitment to strengthening patient care at CMC. Their strategic oversight shapes our future while supporting the people and programs that make our work possible.
Kelly Hughes
Chief Executive Officer
Kelly joined Coulee Medical Center in 2015 as Controller and later advanced to Chief Financial Officer before becoming Chief Executive Officer. With a 44-year career spanning media, banking, legal, manufacturing, healthcare, and cancer research, as well as 14 years as a daycare and preschool owner, she brings broad experience and a deep commitment to rural communities. Kelly previously served as Finance Director for the City of Royal City. She has also completed the NRHA Rural Hospital CEO Certification Program.
Kelly’s leadership is rooted in servant leadership, transparency, compassion, and strategic collaboration. She is dedicated to strengthening CMC’s long-term financial and operational stability, improving access to essential services, and fostering a supportive, communication-driven workplace culture. Guided by her rural upbringing, she believes leadership is fundamentally about service, listening first, and supporting the long-term well-being of the community.
Shawn Groh
Chief Operating Officer
Raised on his family’s wheat and cattle ranch just south of Grand Coulee, Shawn developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for rural communities—values that continue to guide his leadership today. Shawn attended Montana State University, studying Agricultural Sciences, and began his professional career in the banking industry, gaining experience in finance, budgeting, and contracts management. He later served for 16 years as a branch manager for a local agricultural supply company, where he strengthened his operational, business, and team leadership skills. He joined the Coulee Medical Center Finance Team in 2019, applying his financial and operational background to support the hospital’s long-term growth and stability.
Appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2024, Shawn focuses on strengthening operational efficiency, supporting teamwork, and ensuring responsible resource management. His leadership emphasizes integrity, practical problem-solving, and a commitment to sustaining high-quality rural healthcare for the community he has always called home.
Natalie Dennis
Chief Financial Officer
Born and raised in Grand Coulee, Natalie has deep roots in the community she now serves as Chief Financial Officer at Coulee Medical Center. She began her career at CMC in 2009, working her way up through the revenue cycle side over the past 16 years.
Natalie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration—Healthcare Management from Western Governors University and holds multiple certifications through the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), including Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR), Certified Specialist Payment & Reimbursement (CSPF), and Certified Specialist Accounting and Finance (CSAF).
A lifelong learner and natural leader, Natalie’s adaptive approach keeps CMC financially strong and future-focused. She is passionate about ensuring access to high-quality care for rural communities. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys time on the water boating and paddleboarding, crafting, and camping in the mountains with her family.
Amy Haden, BSN, RN, CNOR
Chief Nursing Officer
Amy joined Coulee Medical Center in 2015 after relocating to the area with her husband and quickly became a valued member of the nursing team. She began her nursing career in 2013 and worked five years as a staff nurse in Surgical Services before serving another five years as Surgical Services Manager. Amy later transitioned into the role of Chief Nursing Officer, bringing extensive clinical experience and a strong understanding of rural patient care.
Amy graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washington State University. She is committed to strengthening the nursing workforce, supporting high-quality patient care, and advancing sustainable rural healthcare. Her leadership style centers on leading by example—being present, engaged, and upholding the same standards she expects of her team.
Raised in an agricultural community, Amy’s values of hard work, humility, and practicality continue to influence her leadership today. Her proudest accomplishment is being a mother and raising her family.
Senior Leaders
Our Senior Leaders help bring CMC’s vision to life through hands-on leadership across clinical and operational areas. They work collaboratively to elevate patient care, staff experience, and organizational performance.
Shoshannah E. Palmanteer
Senior Director Clinic Operations & Development
Shoshannah Palmanteer is an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes and was raised on the Colville Indian Reservation. She graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2008 with her bachelor’s degree in pre-med biology and a minor in chemistry. She has worked in various programs for the Colville Confederated Tribes, including the Colville Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program, the Colville Tribal Youth and Development Program, and the Colville Tribal Convalescent Center. Shoshannah received her Washington State Nursing Home Administrator License in 2012, and she served as the Nursing Home Administrator at the Colville Tribal Convalescent Center until she joined the Coulee Medical Center team in 2015 as the Rural Health Clinic Manager. Shoshannah received her Rural Health Clinic Professional Certification in 2020 and has been in her current position as the Senior Director of Clinic Operations and Development since 2023.
Kraig Fuller
Senior Director of Facilities & Planning
Kraig joined Coulee Medical Center in 2012 as a Maintenance Engineer, driven by his desire to give back to the Coulee community where he was raised. Growing up in Coulee City, he developed a strong appreciation for rural values and community connection—foundations that continue to guide his work at CMC.
Kraig holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC/R from Spokane Community College, a program that provided the technical expertise essential to supporting and managing complex facility infrastructures. Over the years, he has advanced into his current role as Senior Director of Facilities & Planning, where he oversees the safety, functionality, and regulatory compliance of CMC’s physical environment.
His priorities include ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors; maintaining operational efficiency; and supporting the hospital through effective infrastructure management. Kraig leads with authenticity and a team-oriented approach, fostering open communication, ethical relationships, and a motivated workforce.
Kraig is inspired by the meaningful impact that a well-maintained environment has on patient care, even behind the scenes. Among his accomplishments, he is especially proud of building the foundational structure for Coulee Medical Center’s Environment of Care Plan—an essential framework that supports safety across the organization.
Leha Neilsen
Administrative Officer Manager
Born and raised on a wheat farm in Almira, Washington, Leha brings deep local roots and a strong understanding of the community she supports. Her connection to the region continues today as she and her husband raise their children in the same rural environment where she grew up.
With a background in administrative support, office programs, project management, and organizational coordination, Leha has built a reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and exceptional teamwork. She ensures smooth daily operations for the executive team and contributes to advancing organizational goals through clear communication, structured processes, and consistent follow-through.
Leha’s leadership is grounded in service, commitment, and a collaborative approach. She values supporting others, fostering cohesion within the executive team, and helping strengthen CMC’s presence in the community. Her local insight and dedication make her an integral part of CMC’s mission and culture.
Ethan Harris
Senior Director of Information Technology
Ethan joined Coulee Medical Center in 2015 as a Systems & Network Administrator and now serves as Senior Director of Information Technology. He brings more than 15 years of healthcare IT experience and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems from Washington State University.
Ethan focuses on maintaining secure, reliable systems that support staff, providers, and patient care. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, stability, and practical problem-solving to ensure CMC’s technology remains dependable and aligned with organizational needs
Christy Phillips, BSN, RN, RHNC
Quality & Risk Management Director
Christy joined the Coulee Medical Center nursing team in August 2010 and brings more than 32 years of healthcare experience to her role. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of nursing and leadership capacities, each shaped by her commitment to high-quality care and the belief that every patient deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Christy holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Wenatchee Valley College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, and a Rural Health Nurse Certification through the National Rural Health Association. Her extensive clinical background and dedication to professional growth have positioned her as a strong leader in quality and patient safety at CMC.
With a focus on strengthening processes, enhancing patient outcomes, and supporting staff engagement, Christy is passionate about fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Her leadership is rooted in collaboration and a desire to create meaningful, lasting change across the organization.
Christy’s personal history has shaped her deep motivation to help others and advocate for those in need. Above all, she is most proud of raising her two daughters, who remain her greatest accomplishment.
Heather McCleary, SHRM-CP
Senior Director Human Resources
Heather joined Coulee Medical Center in 2006 after relocating to Almira with her family when her husband completed his service in the U.S. Air Force. What began as a Referral Coordinator position grew into a decades-long career rooted in her passion for healthcare and helping others.
With over 25 years of experience, Heather has held multiple roles throughout CMC before becoming Senior Director of Human Resources. She leads with empathy and integrity, guiding staff, providers, and leaders through every stage of their careers while fostering an engaging and supportive workplace culture.
Heather finds inspiration in the people around her—the challenges, teamwork, and shared purpose that make every day rewarding. When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and being part of the close-knit community she’s proud to call home.