CMC STAFF
Administrators
Kelly Hughes
Chief Executive Officer
Kelly's journey to Coulee was through marriage to a wheat farmer in 2014. Prior to settling here, she spent many years in Royal City, where she raised her family and served as the Finance Director for the City for 8 years. In 2015, Kelly joined CMC as Controller and ascended to the role of Chief Financial Officer in 2017.
Over the span of 7 years, Kelly collaborated closely with CMC's leadership teams, steering the hospital through challenging financial periods and the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Her strategic leadership has ushered CMC into a future marked by financial stability and a dynamic, community-focused strategic plan.
As CEO, Kelly remains dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment with CMC's outstanding leadership and team, ensuring that Coulee Medical Center continues to excel as the premier healthcare provider for our community and the preferred workplace for our staff.
Shawn Groh
Chief Operating Officer
Shawn became the Controller of the Coulee Medical Center Finance Team in 2019. He was born and raised 25 miles south of the center on his family's wheat and cattle ranch. His strong ties and dedication are deeply rooted in our neighboring small towns, small businesses, and the simpler lifestyle we cherish. Shawn graduated with an Agricultural Economics and Accounting degree from Montana State University. He initiated his career in finance and accounting in the banking industry, eventually advancing into a budget analyst/contracts management and negotiations role. Shawn also served as a branch manager for a local agriculture supply company for 16 years.
Natalie Dennis
Chief Financial Officer
Natalie Nachtigal-Dennis was born and raised right here in the Grand Coulee Dam area. She is a graduate of Lake Roosevelt High School, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration – Healthcare Management from Western Governor’s University (WGU) in 2023. Natalie joined the CMC team in 2009 starting in HIM and working her way up in the revenue cycle where she was the Senior Director of Revenue Cycle since 2017. Natalie is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). Through HFMA Natalie holds multiple certifications including: Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR), Certified Specialist Payment & Reimbursement (CSPF) and Certified Specialist Accounting and Finance (CSAF). Natalie enjoys spending time with her family and friends on Lake Roosevelt, crafting, running her own side business and volunteering in the community. Natalie currently serves as the board President for the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce.
Ramona Hicks
Chief Nursing Officer
Ramona joined CMC in 1993 as a surgical technician. After completing her LPN training at Boise State University, she worked at a clinic in southern Idaho and was an active EMT for 10 years. She earned her nursing degree while working full-time. She has served in a variety of roles at CMC, including, OR supervisor, infection control nurse, employee health nurse, quality director, risk manager and hospital chaplain.
Sharon Gilmore
Senior Director of Quality and Risk Management
Sharon has more than 30 years of healthcare and administrative experience, with over 20 of those focused on program development, process improvement, quality management, and patient safety. She is a registered nurse with a background in medical technology, cardiac and obstetrical critical care, and ambulatory nursing.
Sharon was the director of risk management and quality for an integrated health system. In this role, she was responsible for the overall risk management and patient safety program, loss control and risk financing, claims administration, contract review and patient relations, quality and accreditation activities, and served as a liaison with insurance and regulatory representatives. Sharon previously served as a quality clinical consultant for a national healthcare insurance provider. She has successfully developed and implemented disease management and medical home model programs.
Sharon is skilled in using the Six Sigma Lean process, implementing the GE Change Acceleration Process, and assisting entities to implement medical home models and become high-reliability organizations. As a Master TeamSTEPPS and Just Culture trainer, Sharon supports large and small healthcare organizations in their journey to improve team care and secure a safety culture. She holds a Master of Science in health administration from the University of California and a Bachelor of Science in nursing and psychology from the University of New Mexico. Sharon holds certifications in Professional Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) and Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), as well as board certification as a Nurse Executive (NEA-BC) and Ambulatory Care Nurse (RN-BC).
Kraig Fuller
Senior Director of Facilities & Planning
More info about Kraig is coming soon!
Leha Neilsen
Administrative Officer Manager
Born and raised on a wheat farm in Almira, WA, Leha brings a profound understanding of the local landscape and 8 years of experience as the Executive Assistant to the executive team at Coulee Medical Center. Married to a farmer, she remains rooted in the local community, raising their three children.
Leha has built a strong reputation for providing exceptional administrative support and seamless team coordination, leveraging her background in supporting others, office programs, project management, and organization. Her dedication to efficiency and detail ensures smooth operations at Coulee Medical Center, supporting the executive team in achieving their strategic goals.
Beyond administrative prowess, Leha is firmly established in her community, reflecting Coulee Medical Center's dedication to local engagement and empowerment. She is instrumental in fostering a cohesive and productive environment for the executive team, leveraging her local knowledge to enhance Coulee Medical Center's impact and presence.
Ethan Harris
Senior Director of Information Technology
More info about Ethan is coming soon!
Shoshannah E. Palmanteer
Rural Health Clinic Director
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.
Heather McCleary, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director
Heather was born and raised in Spokane, WA and currently lives in Almira, WA. Her career with Coulee Medical Center started in 2006 when she was hired as the Referral Coordinator for the Clinic. In 2011, she made the transition from the Clinic to the HR Department as the HR Assistant and continued to grow from there. Heather has been in her current role, as the HR Director, since 2018 and obtained her SHRM-CP Certification in 2020. Along with an amazing HR Team, some of her tasks include helping orient new hires, manage employee benefits and work with supervisors and managers to provide the best possible working environment for employees.