Incoming CEO brings extensive leadership experience, including six years as the hospital’s CFO

 

LAKIN, Kan. (February 15, 2024) — Kearny County Hospital (KCH) has completed its search for a new chief executive officer. Hospital leaders announced today that Marley Koons, who currently serves as KCH’s chief financial officer, has been chosen to succeed Emily Dilley as the new CEO.

“Along with our Hospital’s Board of Trustees and our leadership team, I am thrilled to pass the baton to such a skilled and dedicated leader,” Dilley said. “Mrs. Koons is already a vital and valued member of the KCH leadership team who constantly strives for high engagement, quality, and organizational achievement. There is no doubt that she will continue the culture of excellence and teamwork we have been building here at KCH for years.”

Koons joined KCH in 2016 as Assistant CFO and was promoted to CFO in 2018. In her new role as Chief Executive, she will oversee day-to-day operations for the hospital, rural health clinic, long-term care, and assisted living. While continuing to foster KCH’s strengths in rural healthcare and innovation, Koons will also focus on strategic partnerships to advance the capabilities of the hospital while contributing to the health and well-being of residents in Kearny County and the surrounding areas.

“It’s an honor that I’ve been chosen to lead such a committed, engaged, and caring team – and I look forward to advancing our deeply held mission to enrich the health and lives of our family, friends, and neighbors,” said Koons. “I have such enormous respect for how KCH approaches rural health, and I’m eager to help drive our positive momentum forward for years to come.”

Before coming to Lakin, Marley held accounting roles at Pioneer Electric and Pinion (then Kennedy & Coe LLC). Marley and her husband, John, a Lakin native, chose this community to raise their children, Kirbe, Kipton, and Kolby, in a rural setting. In addition to her work with KCH, she serves as a member of the Kearny County Community Foundation and is active with the Religious Education Committee at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Koons will officially become CEO on Feb. 21, as Dilley steps down after three years to tend to family in another state. The hospital is actively seeking a new CFO. In the meantime, Koons will fill both leadership roles with special support during the transition and executive search. For more information and updates, follow KCH on LinkedIn.

 

About Kearny County Hospital:

Kearny County Hospital is committed to providing quality, compassionate healthcare services for our community to enrich the lives of family, friends, and neighbors. The hospital was founded in 1952 and is owned and operated by the Kearny County government to provide inpatient and outpatient hospital care, emergency medical treatment, and primary care. High Plains Retirement Village, the Kearny County Home for the Aged, was founded in 1983 to provide a nursing facility, senior housing, and long-term care services. In 1990, Kearny County Hospital began operation of the Family Health Center, which provides primary healthcare in Lakin. For more information, visit kearnycountyhospital.com.