Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s CEO Paul Bengtson was included in Becker’s Hospital Review list of “50 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know,” which features some of the most impressive leaders in the nation dedicated to advancing healthcare in small towns and rural communities. Individuals on the list include CEOs and administrators of hospitals located outside of major metropolitan areas or healthcare hubs. A number of factors were reviewed when considering viable candidates, including awards received, local, regional and national leadership positions held, and their organizations’ recent performance. Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital is located in St. Johnsbury, VT in a section of Vermont referred to as The Northeast Kingdom. NVRH is a not for profit, acute care, critical access hospital. It’s the only Vermont hospital designated as a Baby FriendlyTM hospital by the United Nations. NVRH provides primary and preventive care, surgical and specialty services, inpatient and outpatient care and 24 hour, physician staffed emergency services. Bengtson, in collaboration with other members of the community, has been instrumental in bringing services such as dialysis, a cancer center and a sleep lab to the hospital’s campus. He works tirelessly to collaborate with local organizations and experts to improve the health of populations, enhance the patient experience of care and reduce the per capita cost of healthcare. He is the past Chair of the American Hospital Association’s Section for Small or Rural Hospitals and has been the CEO of NVRH for 29 years. Upon hearing of Bengston’s recent honor, NVRH Board Chair Jim Newell said, “I am fortunate to know Paul, who for so many years has worked very hard to bring the best quality health care to all the people in the communities NVRH serves. We are fortunate to have him as CEO of NVRH; he is a true state and national leader in health care improvement.” Bengtson lives with his wife and three grown daughters in St. Johnsbury. He is an avid skier and runner, and enjoys being outdoors in all seasons.