COLUMBUS, Neb. -- A Columbus CEO is receiving national recognition.

Last month, Becker’s Hospital Review recognized Mike Hansen, president and CEO of Columbus Community Hospital, as one of the “67 rural hospital CEOs to know.”

Hansen has led CCH for the past 13 years, holding overall responsibility for the hospital.

“Mr. Hansen has been instrumental in the success of the hospital, as well as health care in Columbus and the surrounding area,” said Dr. Daniel Rosenquist, a physician at Columbus Family Practice. “As I look around the region, state and nation, CCH has done exceptionally well, which is a tribute to the vision and foresight he has brought to the community.”

Despite the obstacles and hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hansen continued to grow the hospital’s outreach and services. Under his leadership, CCH completed a hospital-wide construction project, broke ground on a new fieldhouse and opened a new senior behavioral health unit.

“While many hospitals are struggling to exist, CCH has become a strong and growing facility with the continued development of services for the community because of his leadership,” said Jeff Gokie, CCH board chair. “Mike’s guidance through the pandemic and solid strategic plan is not only recognized by the community, but also his peers at the state level and beyond.”