A New Chapter of Leadership: Welcoming Dr. Nick Baldetti to Rice Community Health
Rice Community Health is proud to welcome Dr. Nick Baldetti as our new Director of Foundation, Business Development & Regulatory Operations.
Dr. Baldetti joins Rice Community Health with more than a decade of leadership experience in healthcare administration, education, and community development. Known across Central Kansas for his thoughtful approach to growth and his passion for rural health, Nick’s addition to our leadership team marks an exciting step forward in our mission to keep care local and strengthen the health of Rice County.
“Nick brings both strategic vision and a servant’s heart,” said George Stover, CEO of Rice Community Health. “He understands the challenges and opportunities rural healthcare faces, and he’s deeply committed to working alongside our team, Foundation, and community partners to ensure Rice County continues to thrive.”
A Conversation with Nick
What drew you to join Rice Community Health and lead this new chapter for the Foundation?
I’ve always believed that access to high-quality healthcare should be both local and personal. Rice Community Health represents exactly that — where neighbors care for neighbors, rooted in service and compassion. Leading this next chapter for the Foundation is an opportunity to strengthen that legacy while positioning Rice Community Health for long-term sustainability and community impact.
What are your first priorities or goals in the months ahead?
My first priority is to listen — to understand the needs, hopes, and challenges of our community, staff, and partners. From there, my focus will be on aligning resources to meet those needs efficiently, supporting staff, and developing partnerships that expand access to care for all residents of Rice County.
What opportunities do you see to collaborate with local employers, schools, and organizations?
There’s tremendous opportunity to work collaboratively across sectors. Employers play a key role in supporting preventive health and wellness; schools are foundational in shaping lifelong health habits; and civic organizations provide critical local insight. By connecting these efforts, we can make healthcare more proactive, coordinated, and accessible.
What does it mean to you to serve in this role close to home here in Rice County?
It’s deeply meaningful. My wife grew up and went to school in Rice County, and I’ve come to understand the values and resilience of rural Kansas communities over the last fourteen years. The opportunity at Rice Community Health isn’t just professional — it’s personal. It’s about giving back and ensuring others have access to the same quality of care I’d want for my own family.
What message would you like to share with the community as you begin this new role?
This is our health system. The future of healthcare in Rice County will prosper through continued partnership and trust between the community and Rice Community Health. I’m committed to transparency, integrity, collaboration, and keeping care local — because when we work together, we all thrive.
How has your previous experience prepared you for this work?
My time at Hutchinson Regional taught me the importance of integrating strategy with compassion — balancing operational excellence with the human side of healthcare. My experience in higher education reinforced the value of learning, communication, and innovation. Those lessons will help guide how I serve Rice Community Health and Rice County into the future.
About Dr. Baldetti
Dr. Baldetti earned his Doctorate of Business Administration in Health Economics from Creighton University, a Master of Health Care Delivery Science from Dartmouth University, and both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance from Pittsburg State University.
He and his wife, Kylee (McGill) Baldetti, live in Rice County where they are raising their four children — Blayne (16), Liam (12), Lahna (11), and Klay (2).
“We enjoy our country homestead life and are grateful for the opportunity to continue raising our children in a community that values connection, hard work, and care for each other,” Nick shared. “And yes — we’re proud Little River fans. Go Skins!”
Looking Ahead
Dr. Baldetti’s leadership will play an important role in guiding the continued growth of Rice Community Health, expanding access to care, and ensuring a sustainable future for local healthcare in Rice County.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Nick Baldetti to the Rice Community Health family!
