ABOUT US

The Big Country Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a non-profit organization, was created in March 2005 through a partnership between Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the West Central Texas Council of Governments.

The Big Country AHEC is physically located in Abilene and offers health career development and community-based training services to the 28 counties of the region.

Our mission is to address the health care provider shortage and improve health care access in West Texas through education and development of the health care work force.

STAFF

Kelly Cheek, Center Director

Before coming to the AHEC, Kelly was Development Officer for the Grady McWhiney Research Foundation. Kelly’s background also includes positions as Assistant Administrator for Sears Methodist Center and Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of Stamford, Texas. He also served as the Community Development Administrator for the City of Abilene. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McMurry University. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Social Service Administration from Abilene Christian University.

Lynn Hogan, Community-Based Education and Practice Support Coordinator

Lynn’s background includes various roles over the past eleven years before coming to AHEC. Lynn was a Resource Advisor, Education Technician and Chief of Training at Dyess Air Force Base. She also served as the Director of Continuing Education for Texas State Technical College. Lynn has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She also holds a Master of Education degree in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Oklahoma.

Susan Lingle, Health Careers Promotion Coordinator

Susan was raised on a cattle ranch near Wichita Falls, Texas making her very familiar with the rural Texas lifestyle. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Industries from Tarleton State University in August of 2000. For the last five years she worked for VF Jeanswear – Wrangler in Retail Space Management. In this position she traveled the entire state of Texas and much of the United States providing store service and training for key accounts.

Karina Daniel, Administrative Assistant

Karina is the Administrative Assistant with BCAHEC. Karina has over ten years experience of working as an administrative assistant, six of those years were dedicated to working in the fundraising and development office of New Horizons Ranch & Center, Inc. While at New Horizons, Karina was responsible for grant writing and planning fundraising events such as benefit trail rides and golf tournaments. Karina has also worked as a Development Assistant for Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Texas where she assisted with the Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser.

Big Country AHEC Advisory Board

Lori Bunton (2009)
New Horizons Family Connections & STAR Program

David Cory, LCSW (2009)
Branch Chair NASW Abilene Branch

Pam Danner, Ex Officio
Program Director
West Texas AHEC

Charlie Davis (2009)
Diagnostician/Transition Coordinator
West Central Texas SSA

Honorable Tim Fambrough (2009)
Nolan County Judge

Honorable Travis Floyd (2009), Vice President
Knox County Judge

James Hailey (2011)
Director of Emergency Medical Services
Stephens Memorial Hospital

Nicki Harle (2008)
Executive Director
Texas Midwest Community Network

Ella Raye Helms (2008)
Administrator
Fisher County Hospital

Margaret Hensley (2009)
FNP, Hensley Clinic

Kristina Jones (2011)
Executive Director
Alliance for Women and Children

Susan Jones, RN (2008)
Executive Director
Shackelford County Community Resource Center

Honorable Jerry Marshall, DDS (2008): President
Mayor of Rotan

Burrell McKelvain (2009)
Provost, Resource Development
Texas State Technical College - West Texas

Dana McKelvain, RN (2007)
Education Manager
Eastland Memorial Hospital

Jackolyn Morgan, RN, MSN (2008)
Director, Nursing Programs
Cisco Junior Collegel

Mike Nall (2009)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy

Tammy Nall (2009)
School Counselor
Madison Middle School

Wes Netz (2009)
Mental Health Professional
Abilene ISD-Early Head Start

Lesa Oswalt, RN (2010)
Acute Care Manager
Eastland Memorial Hospital

Jimmy Parker (2010)
Branch Manager
Winters and Stanford State National Bank

Elizabeth Quiroz-Eureste (2009)
Concho County Hospital

Perry Reeves, PhD (2009) Secretary
Chair, Health Professions Advisory Committee
Abilene Christian University

R.K. Rickard, R.Ph. (2008)
Administrator
North Runnels Hospital

Lawrence Rugar, BA, MS (2011)
Corporate Risk Manager SMRS
Sears Methodist Retirement System

Charlotte Speegle (2007):
Director of Workforce Development
Cisco Junior College

Honorable Dale Spurgin (2011)
Jones County Judge

Jamie Thomas (Revolving)
Nursing Student
Cisco Junior College

Brent Wallace (2010)
Division Chair of Business Administration and Management Instructor
Cisco Junior College

George Woodward, MD (2008)
Medical Care Mission