Owensboro Health has named Chelle Keplinger as vice president of finance, bringing her back to the organization where she began her healthcare career nearly three decades ago. She officially started in the role on Sept. 22.
Keplinger brings nearly 30 years of healthcare finance experience, including 21 years as chief financial officer for rural critical access hospitals in Illinois, Wyoming, and Colorado. In her new position, she will oversee financial planning for the health system and report to Chief Financial Officer Russ Ranallo.
“Chelle is a proven leader with the right blend of financial skill, grit, and commitment to community healthcare,” Ranallo said. “She understands what it takes to guide hospitals through growth opportunities and position them for long-term success. We are grateful to have her back.”
A native of Illinois, Keplinger began her career at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital before spending more than two decades in rural hospital leadership. She said those experiences shaped her approach to financial stewardship and patient-centered operations.
“In rural hospitals, you learn how to stretch every dollar while never losing sight of the patient,” Keplinger said. “I’m proud of the progress we made at each stop. Now I’m excited to bring that knowledge home to Owensboro Health. This is where I started, and I hope it’s where I finish my career.”
