Troy Kurz – Kimball Health Services

Kimball Health Services is a cornerstone of healthcare in its rural Nebraska community, providing essential medical services to a population that once had limited access to care. What started as a 14-bed county hospital has evolved over the years into a full-service healthcare facility, offering surgeries, diagnostic imaging such as MRI and CT scans, mammography, and orthopedic procedures. With a continued commitment to serving its community, the hospital has expanded its offerings to include specialty surgical services and forged partnerships with nearby hospitals, ensuring comprehensive care. The hospital’s growth is a result of its dedication to personalized, high-quality healthcare tailored to the diverse needs of its residents.

At the heart of this transformation is Troy Kurz, the director of facilities at Kimball Health Services in Nebraska. Kurz plays a vital role in the hospital’s day-to-day operations, overseeing maintenance, environmental services, dietary operations, and the successful construction of the hospital’s new state-of-the-art facility. With a background in construction management, Kurz’s leadership has been indispensable to the expansion efforts. He managed the entire construction project from design to completion, ensuring that every stage was executed seamlessly. By handling the construction internally, Kurz eliminated the need for an external project manager, which cut costs and allowed for more control over the timeline and quality of the project. This strategic decision has resulted in a modern, functional facility that aligns with the hospital’s mission to provide exceptional care to the community.

The completion of the new hospital facility represents a major milestone for Kimball Health Services, elevating the level of care available to residents. The modern building, which opened four months ago, offers services that were previously only accessible in larger cities, greatly improving local access to critical healthcare. Residents can now receive essential services without needing to travel long distances. One of the hospital’s newest additions is an OBGYN, helping to address significant gaps in women’s healthcare. The hospital is also making strides in offering chemotherapy services, a long-awaited development for the community. While the infrastructure for chemotherapy is already in place, specialized staff are being recruited to fully operationalize this service, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to filling healthcare gaps in rural areas.

In addition to the physical transformation of the facility, Kurz’s leadership has been key in cultivating a positive and supportive workplace culture at Kimball Health Services. The hospital prides itself on being a family-oriented organization where employees collaborate closely and support one another. Kurz recognizes that the quality of care provided to patients is directly tied to the satisfaction and well-being of employees, which is why he focuses on fostering a work environment that encourages teamwork and professional growth. This approach has helped Kimball Health Services retain skilled professionals, especially important in a rural setting where recruitment can be more challenging.

Kurz has also been instrumental in attracting new staff to meet the demands of the expanded facility. He emphasizes the unique benefits of working in a small, tight-knit community, where employees can make a direct impact on patient care and form meaningful relationships with colleagues and patients. These factors have made the hospital an attractive place to work for professionals, particularly nurses and radiology technicians. Kurz’s efforts in staff retention are also crucial. By ensuring that employees feel valued and supported, he has helped create an environment where staff members are motivated to provide the highest level of care, contributing to the hospital’s overall success.

The growth of Kimball Health Services under Kurz’s leadership is a testament to the hospital’s ability to provide advanced care locally and to its ability to maintain a strong financial position. The expanded range of services has drawn patients from neighboring areas, increasing the hospital’s reach and contributing to its financial sustainability. The hospital’s new offerings, combined with its focus on high-quality, personalized care, have positioned it as a leader in rural healthcare. This, in turn, strengthens the hospital’s reputation as a vital part of the regional healthcare network.

Kurz’s journey was shaped by his passion for problem-solving and design. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State University-Bozeman, which provided him with a solid foundation for his career in facilities management. His expertise in engineering, coupled with an interest in optimizing systems, has allowed him to make significant contributions to the hospital’s operations. After completing his degree, Kurz worked in various capacities, steadily building a reputation for leadership and innovation. These qualities led him to the role of director of facilities at Kimball Health Services, where he has been able to apply his skills to improve the hospital’s infrastructure and overall operations.

Beyond his role at Kimball, Kurz is also an entrepreneur. He co-owns a decorative concrete business, specializing in countertops, epoxy finishes, flooring, and custom furniture. This venture highlights his ability to combine technical skill with artistic creativity, showcasing his multifaceted talents.

Outside of work, Kurz is a devoted family man. He and his wife are deeply involved in raising their 9-year-old child and enjoy spending time together outdoors, whether hunting or fishing. This balance between family life and a fulfilling career reflects Kurz’s commitment to maintaining a well-rounded and meaningful life.