The OH -management conference emphasizes the importance of vision, accountability, inheritance

The Owensboro Health Regional Hospital organized its Spring Leadership Conference 2025 on Wednesday and brought team leaders, managers and special guests together under the topic of “characteristics of a winning team”. The event focused on the developing nature of leadership, culture and excellence in healthcare – and was inspired by the world of college athletics.

The conference contained comments from the President and CEO of Owensboro Health and CEO Mark Marsh, followed by a dynamic presentation of the leadership of the head coach of Western Kentucky University, Tyson Helton,.

In his opening speeches, Marsh emphasized the quick pace of change in health care and the need for a customizable, minded leadership.

“Change is obvious – we know that it happens at a quick pace,” said Marsh. “It is always good for us to stop and think about what we have to do and what we ask them every day as managers.”

Marsh considered his own way to lead and told a story about mentoring and his journey through the Western Kentucky University. He attributed important figures in his life, including the long -time friend and bowling Green Business Leader Dave Chandler, who helped to form his leadership philosophy. Marsh also emphasized the parallels between health and college athletics and found how important it is to build teams and navigate changes in both areas.

“This person here – you talk about a winner who tries to navigate through change. Trainer Tyson Helton did it right,” said Marsh and demonstrated the main speaker of the conference.

Helton, now in his seventh season at WKU, used his time to break up three pillars of a profit culture: a clear vision, defined roles and accountability and led with discipline and consistency.

“Our vision at Western Kentucky is to build champions – not just championships,” said Helton. “That means building champions in the field, in the classroom and in the community.”

Helton praised Owensboro Health's mission to be a “regional excellence center” and found that the pursuit of excellence requires clarity and unity.

He also emphasized the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities within an organization.

“When I hear someone say:” I wear a lot of hats “, that's a red flag for me,” said Helton. “I want everyone to know exactly what their job is. In this way we have clear communication and strong accountability.”

Helton compared the leadership with parenting and said that it can be difficult to hold people accountable, it is of essential importance for growth.

“Conflict creates a solution,” he said. “It brings us into unpleasant situations – but then there are innovations. You can sit on your hands or you can be a forward thinker.”

In a series of powerful anecdotes, Helton outlined the properties of effective managers: authenticity, consistency and heart of a servant.

“Define my daily actions who I am,” he said. “If you are authentic and trustworthy, the people who lead you want to make you successful.”

He encouraged the participants to model the behavior they expect and to move in rising talents in their organizations.

“Your job is to hire talented people and develop them,” said Helton. “Ask yourself: can this person do my job one day? Are you indispensable?”

Helton concluded with a challenge for the participants to take their legacy into account.

“Long after I left Western Kentucky, I hope that the culture we have built can still be felt,” he said. “That is what is true leadership – to leave something that takes.”

The conference included a network breakfast, a lively game in the style of the danger organized by the comedian Ben Gleib, and an update for strategic imperative. Marsh returned to the stage at the end of the day to close the comments and complete the program.

During the day, a live painter experience, which is managed by the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, offered the participants a creative outlet.

The event was organized by Owensboro Health.