Native American Health Management (NAHM) began with a vision of helping Tribal Organizations achieve the goal of building long-term care nursing facilities on their own land. NAHM was started in 2012, however, the individuals behind the company have been serving the needs of the elderly for over 25 years. NAHM’s sister company, Rural Health Development (RHD), has been involved with managing non-profit nursing homes in Nebraska and surrounding states since 1990. RHD has successfully helped rural communities navigate the challenging financial and regulatory hurdles facing the nursing home industry. It is with this same expertise that the individuals behind RHD are now helping Native American tribes through NAHM. We encourage you to look through the employee bios below, as that will give you an overview of the experience and knowledge base you can expect when partnering with NAHM.
Ron Ross
President
Ron Ross and Roger Petrik started RHD in 1990. As President of RHD, Ron provides leadership for the staff and their facilities. “I believe the biggest reason for our success has been in delivering value to our customers. We enjoy an excellent reputation based on our ability to meet the needs of our clients, at a fair price. ”Ability and desire- the two traits necessary to get a job done! There is no substitute for experience and expertise, however, when we add the additional ingredient of passion, we have the recipe for success. “Our clients deserve to contract with a company that has the skills and the drive necessary to make sure that quality work gets done in a timely manner.” Ron served the State of Nebraska when Governor Mike Johanns appointed him to his Cabinet in 1999. His entrepreneur spirit helped him lead the Department of Health and Human Services (Nebraska) for five years at a time when the national economy forced State Government to improve programs with fewer resources. When the Nebraska State Treasurer resigned, the Governor asked Ron if he would fill out the remaining three years of the term. There were many candidates for this position but the Governor had confidence in Ron’s integrity and work ethic. Since returning to RHD in 2007, Ron continues to help grow the company. “We have expanded into Wyoming, and with our facilities in Iowa and Nebraska, RHD is starting to have a significant presence in the Mid-west.”
Matt Ross, N.H.A.
Operations Consultant, and Regional Manager
Matt has worked for Rural Health Development since 2008 and has been the RHD Eastern Regional Manager since 2012. Before assuming the Regional Manager position, Matt was the Administrator in our Glenwood, IA facility for 3 ½ years. In his current position, Matt seeks to help guide our Administrators through the challenging and rewarding duties of running a skilled nursing facility. Matt has enjoyed working with the elderly in all capacities over the last few years, and is thankful for the great opportunity he has been given to make a difference in their lives.
Matt grew up in Cambridge, Nebraska and graduated from Doane College in 2001 with a degree in Business Finance/Management.
Matt married his lovely wife, Anne, in the summer of 2013, and they welcomed their first child, Hazel, in November of 2014. Matt enjoys golfing, playing cards, going to music concerts, and spending time with his family, including Ace the puggle.
Jo Fuller, N.H.A.
Office Management Consultant
Jorena (Jo) Fuller began her employment with Rural Health Development (RHD) in September of 1999. Originally, she was hired to help with rural health clinic consultations, as Jo has over 12 years of experience serving as director of 5 hospital-based rural health clinics. Shortly after joining RHD, she also became involved with long-term care facilities, receiving her Health Administration Degree and Nebraska State License in May of 2002. Since that time, Jo administered a small skilled-nursing facility/assisted living in Southwest Nebraska. For two years Jo had a multi-license, serving two skilled-nursing facilities as their administrator. Along with her administrative duties, she continued to help other long-term care facilities with their Medicare billing issues, as well as helping with rural health clinics, including some independent RHC cost reporting.Jo became Office Management Consultant for RHD in the spring of 2010. Her primary duties include helping all business offices of RHD facilities with their financials, billing, and Medicare (both SNF A and B) claim filing. Finance is her love, as well as the challenges of Medicare and Medicaid. Jo lives in Cambridge, Nebraska. She is the mother of three married children, and is blessed with two grandsons and two step-granddaughters. Jo is a councilman for the City of Cambridge, and has been for several years. She is a member of the First Congregational Church in Cambridge, NE where she has served as their Moderator and Choir Director. Jo loves sports, music, and a good book.
Tory Moghadam
IT Consultant/Marketing Specialist
Tory’s tenure at Rural Health Development began in October 2013, where he has been providing IT and marketing support. He applies his expertise in identifying and implementing IT infrastructure improvements, streamlining workflow, and ensuring compliance for RHD facilities. In addition, Tory’s over a decade of experience in graphic design and marketing have enabled him to create numerous high-quality digital and print marketing materials, all while managing IT operations.
Tory’s keen interest in programming has also helped him to create customized applications that have significantly reduced repetitive tasks for his colleagues. As a testament to his knowledge, Tory has been invited to present at LeadingAge Nebraska conferences on technology requirements in the healthcare industry while working with Rural Health Development.
Anna McClain
Accountant
Anna joined Rural Health Development in April of 2013 as the Accountant. Anna attended Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE, where she earned her A.A.S. in Business Accounting in 2008, and a Bachelors Degree in Business Accounting from Doane in 2012. During her free time, Anna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to music concerts, playing softball, traveling, and being outdoors.
Emily Plageman
Marketing Director
Emily attended the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and got her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2006. Throughout college, she worked for the Nebraska State Patrol in their Criminal Identification Division. Following her graduation from the University, Emily has had several State of Nebraska jobs including working for the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care and the Department of Corrections in their Human Resources Department. Following her time at the State, Emily was employed with CEDARS as a Family Partner in the Emergency Shelter, working with families and youth. Emily began working for RHD as a Marketing Director in the spring of 2010. Emily loves the opportunity that she’s been given to meet so many wonderful people at the facilities that RHD manages, including staff and residents, and looks forward to working with many more talented and inspiring people. During her free time, Emily enjoys being outdoors, gardening, reading, and cooking.
Kathy Schmid
Nurse Consultant
Kathy Schmid graduated from Western Nebraska General Hospital in Scottsbluff in 1986 as an RN. She worked in acute care for 10 years, including Pediatrics and surgery. Kathy has worked the last 20 years in long term care, working with Veterans and their families. Kathy has been married for almost 32 years and has 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
Find out more by going to rhdconsult.com
