SLV Health CEO Konnie Martin Receives 2026 John Gardner Award for Rural Health Leadership

San Luis Valley Health (SLV Health) CEO Konnie Martin received the 2026 John Gardner Award for Rural Health Leadership at the Colorado Hospital Association’s (CHA) Annual Meeting. The award recognizes her outstanding service to rural health care and her advocacy for patients and communities across Colorado.

Recognizing Excellence in Rural Colorado

Colorado’s rural hospital CEOs established the John Gardner Award to recognize a peer for outstanding service to rural health care. Each year, rural hospital leaders select a CEO who demonstrates innovation, financial stewardship, collaboration, and advocacy in service to rural communities. Because recipients are selected by fellow rural hospital CEOs, the award represents a particularly meaningful acknowledgment of Martin’s leadership by peers who share her commitment to strengthening health care in rural Colorado.

One of the peers who nominated her captured the impact of her leadership, writing: "Throughout her tenure as a hospital CEO, Konnie has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to ensuring that rural Coloradans have access to high-quality health care. She has earned the respect of colleagues throughout the state not only for her expertise but for her willingness to collaborate, mentor, and champion solutions to the unique challenges facing rural hospitals.”

A Legacy of Advocating for Rural Colorado

Martin has served as SLV Health’s CEO since June 2013. During her tenure, SLV Health has advanced its services and grown into the region’s largest employer, with more than 750 employees providing health care throughout Colorado’s San Luis Valley. She has also advocated for rural health care at the local, state, and national levels. This is not her first recognition, as Martin was the recipient of the prestigious Grassroots Champion award in 2016 for her advocacy work.

Throughout her tenure as CEO, Martin has led SLV Health with the belief that “the possibilities for making a difference are endless.” This philosophy is reflected in the growth and advancements that the organization has achieved under her leadership. Always focused on meeting the changing and evolving needs of the San Luis Valley, Martin has championed the expansion of health care services, oversaw investments in advanced medical technology, and helped ensure our community has access to high-quality care, close to home. Through her vision, advocacy, and commitment to SLV Health’s long-term sustainability, Martin has helped position SLV Health to continue meeting the health care needs of the San Luis Valley for generations to come.

Martin’s leadership extends across Colorado and the nation. She currently serves as a trustee of the Colorado Hospital Association, Colorado Rural Futures, and is on the Board of San Luis Valley Federal Bank. She previously served on the American Hospital Association’s Rural Health Services Council and as a board member of the Western Healthcare Alliance.

Leading the Way for SLV Health

SLV Health as a whole is proud to celebrate Konnie and this well-deserved achievement. Everyone who works at SLV Health joins in congratulating her and recognizing the dedication, leadership, and advocacy that earned this distinguished honor.

SLV Health Board Chair Karla Hardesty attended CHA’s Annual Meeting when Martin was announced as the award recipient. A trustee since 2007 who has worked alongside Martin throughout much of her tenure, Hardesty celebrated the recognition: “This award is well deserved for Konnie, and I cannot think of a greater champion for access to healthcare and improving healthcare services and policies in our state and rural areas than her! She has dedicated herself tirelessly at the local, state, and national levels to advocate for patients and communities to have the best healthcare possible in the San Luis Valley and beyond. Congratulations, Konnie! It’s an honor to have you as the leader of our organization, and this award is testament to that!”

Martin’s dedication to strengthening rural health care reflects a deep commitment to the people and communities of the San Luis Valley. Through her continued advocacy, collaborative leadership, and vision for the future, Martin is helping ensure that rural communities in the San Luis Valley and across Colorado have access to the quality health care they need. This award is not only a celebration of her accomplishments, but also a reflection of the important work being done at SLV Health to care for our community for generations to come.