Laurie Labarca

Overview

Laurie Labarca began her career as an occupational therapist at St. Joseph Medical Center 35 years ago. Since then, her titles within the Ascension Via Christi organization have included vice president of operations and chief operating officer for Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Center and executive vice president and chief operating officer for Via Christi’s Wichita hospitals.

Laurie is the administrator for hospital operations for Via Christi Health, the largest healthcare provider in Kansas and the second-largest private employer in Wichita. She earned her bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas in 1985 and her master's degree in Healthcare Leadership from Friends University in 2011. She is serving at what now is Via Christi Hospital St. Joseph. Since 1995, she has served in a variety of senior hospital executive roles. Laurie serves on the boards of directors for CiBOR, GraceMed, Heartspring and the Wichita Center for Graduate Education. She also serves on the Wichita State University College of Health Care Professionals Dean's Advisory Board and has previously served as a WSU Student Athletic Scholarship Organization board member.