Meet the 2011 Scholars

Sandra Mitchell, MBA
West Virginia

Sandra has served nearly seven years as Operations Director for Cabin Creek Health Systems, a federally qualified health center located in rural communities throughout Kanawha County, West Virginia. During her tenure, CCHS has experienced substantial change, growing from two sites to six; from 38 employees to 115; and from 5,000 patients to 13,000. Over the past few years Sandra has been responsible for implementation of a web-based electronic health record, HeWV, as well as leading the organization's first major quality improvement project for diabetes care.

Sandra has a strong interest in rural workforce development for community health, and has helped create a professional development program for CCHS Medical Assistants to expand their role from technicians to vital members of the Care Team with responsibilities for chronic disease care coordination. MA's, who have received training in self management of chronic disease and motivational interviewing, now help educate patients and engage them in making positive behavioral health changes. Sandra is also managing a pilot Medical Home project with WV's Public Employees Insurance Agency.

Prior to her work with CCHS, Sandra was Business Manager for St. Francis West Health Care, a primary care and diagnostic center in Charleston West Virginia, for more than 18 years. Sandra has been active in community organizations, serving as President of the Elk City Business and Professional Organization, the Charleston Optimists Club, and a board member of the West Virginia Office Manager's Association. Sandra received her MBA from the University of Charleston in 2002, and graduated from the J&J/UCLA Health Care Executive program in 2007.

Sandra enjoys time with her four lively grandchildren, all under the age of six. She has traveled in Canada, Europe and South America, and is dreaming of an adventure to Tibet and Nepal within the next year. Sandra loves the outdoors and is learning to fly fish. So far the trout in WV aren't too worried.