Kelly Named Mississippi Rural Health Association Executive Director

Ryan Kelly, director of external relations in the College of Health at The University of Southern Mississippi, has been selected as the new executive director of the Mississippi Rural Health Association (MRHA).

Kelly will handle all administrative matters for the association, including membership development, financial oversight, communication, growth of external funding and public representation of the association, among others.

“I am looking forward to a substantial year of growth for the MRHA in 2012 and the development of a strong link between rural health care in our state and the quality of life that we all deserve as citizens,” said Kelly, who will continue in his role at Southern Miss.

Kelly's position with the MRHA is part of a contracted agreement (which began on Nov. 1) between the association and the Southern Miss College of Health, whereby the college will serve as an administrating body for the association with Kelly as the designated leader.

“The College of Health has always had a particular interest in the health needs of our rural communities and citizens; after all most of Mississippi remains rural,” said Dr. Michael Forster, dean of the College of Health. “Our contract with MHRA solidifies this focus and allows us the opportunity to provide leadership with key partners in health throughout the state.”

Said MRHA President Alan Barefield -- “I think that (Kelly's) tenure with MRHA will serve to carry our organization to new heights.”

For more information contact the College of Health at 601.266.5253 or visit: http://www.usm.edu/health. Contact the Mississippi Rural Health Association at 601.898.3001.