Meet Kendra Auker, President/CEO Evangelical Community Hospital

Vistage helps me continue to thrive

I have worked in healthcare throughout my career and have been with Evangelical Community Hospital since the 90s. When I started, the CEO of the hospital was my mentor and pushed me to learn various sides of the business— from marketing and PR, to physicians network and insurance.

I steadily worked my way up the organization and in 2014, I became CEO. Today, Evangelical is one of the few remaining independent community hospitals in Pennsylvania and we are thriving, despite the growing challenges facing the healthcare industry.

I felt isolated and I was no longer getting the unbiased perspective that I needed as a leader.

My professional relationships changed when I became CEO

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have various industry colleagues to confide in when I encountered business challenges. Once I became the CEO, my professional relationships changed overnight. I was now managing and guiding the same colleagues I had once worked beside. I felt isolated and I was no longer getting the unbiased perspective that I needed as a leader.

I needed a sounding board and Vistage checked all of the boxes

Three years into my role as CEO, Dave Meehan reached out to me about joining his Vistage group. At the time, I didn't know anything about Vistage, but I liked the idea of having an executive coach and a trusted sounding board of peers who could provide perspectives, feedback and advice.

I also liked that members are exclusive to their industries, offering a place to share, learn and grow in a non-competitive environment. I felt like I needed executive coaching and development and Vistage checked all of the boxes -- I decided to join Dave’s group in 2018.

I leave each meeting with actionable takeaways and a renewed energy

Vistage gives me a viable action plan to address issues

Vistage has been a game-changer for me. Our group is made up of leaders from different backgrounds and industries, but we have found that as CEOs, we face a similar set of challenges. If I bring an issue before my Vistage group, I know that I will leave the meeting with a viable action plan to address the issue and move forward.

In turn, I find tremendous value in helping other members — there is a genuine sense of fulfillment in knowing that I was able to guide someone towards a better business decision. I leave each meeting with actionable takeaways and a renewed energy to bring back to Evangelical.

Dave has been instrumental in helping me move away from an operational viewpoint to become more of a CEO.

I learned to accept my role as CEO

In addition to my group meetings, my one-to-one coaching sessions with Dave have been immensely valuable. A wildly successful businessman himself, he knows first-hand how to handle the unique challenges that come with being a CEO.

I knew from our first meeting that Dave would have my back and offer unwavering guidance and support, yet constantly challenge me to be better. Dave has been instrumental in helping me move away from an operational viewpoint to become more of a CEO.

In my business, I tend to move fast and make quick decisions in order to get things done. Dave has coached me to slow down and examine the big picture before making big decisions. At the same time, he encourages me to pause and enjoy the wins by acknowledging, celebrating and savoring each success.

Dave is a quintessential coach

Dave is a quintessential coach in every sense of the word. He does his homework and takes the time to learn and understand our personalities, our industries and our strengths so that that he can be most effective in his role as a Chair.

He helps to navigate obstacles and presses us to examine issues from all angles before determining a game plan. He never shies away from difficult issues or uncomfortable conversations because he understands that tough issues must be addressed head-on for the benefit of our companies and for us as leaders.

Joining Vistage has been one of the best investments that I've made in my professional career.

Vistage has taught me to think more globally

My success as a healthcare leader has reached new levels since I joined two years ago. Vistage has taught me to think more globally about what I do on a day-to-day basis and provides the outside stimulation to keep fresh ideas coming in so that my business can continue to thrive.