04/30/2026
Collingsworth General Hospital is proud to announce that for the second year in a row Administrator, Candy Powell has been named one of Becker’s Healthcare’s “Rural Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know” for 2026. The prestigious national list recognizes 146 leaders who are making a lasting impact on rural healthcare through their dedication, vision, and commitment to the communities they serve.
Becker’s noted that these CEOs understand that access to quality healthcare services in rural communities can make all the difference in both outcomes and overall patient experiences. The leaders featured on the list are simultaneously chief executive, community anchor, workforce developer and crisis manager. They are charged with navigating razor-thin margins, persistent staffing shortages and the longstanding impact of the pandemic, all while actively driving growth, expanding services, modernizing facilities and cultivating skilled teams.
Candy Powell has led Collingsworth General Hospital as Administrator since 2006, bringing a deep commitment to advancing rural healthcare. As a lifelong resident of Collingsworth County, she has overseen meaningful progress in patient care, facility upgrades, and provider recruitment, all while staying rooted in a mission of compassionate, community-focused service.
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by Becker’s Healthcare,” Powell said. “This acknowledgment really belongs to the entire team at Collingsworth General Hospital. “Together, we’re dedicated to making sure our rural community has access to the high-quality care it needs, and I’m proud to be part of that effort.”
Collingsworth General Hospital is operated by Preferred Management, a healthcare organization dedicated to supporting rural hospitals and clinics across Texas and Oklahoma.
“In today’s rural healthcare landscape, strong and steady leadership is essential,” said Jared Chanski, Executive Vice President of Preferred Management. “Candy Powell embodies the perseverance, innovation, and community-first mindset that make a lasting impact. We’re delighted to see her receive this recognition.”
Becker’s selection process involved extensive editorial research and nominations from peers across the healthcare industry. The full list is available on the Becker’s Hospital Review website.
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/146-rural-hospital-and-health-system-presidents-and-ceos-to-know-2026/
