Administration

Linn Block began as Stewart Memorial's CEO on December 11, 2023.

Block has over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership roles. Most recently, she served as the CEO of Manning Regional Healthcare Center. Here at SMCH, Block oversees hospital and clinic operations and serves as the liaison between the community, patients, families, and Board of Directors.

She says, “I also take an active role in working with our federal and state legislators to advocate for rural healthcare.”

A Lake City native, Block was just 14 when she began her healthcare career as a CNA at Shady Oaks Care Center. After earning her bachelor’s in nursing from Mercy College, Block gained experience in a variety of settings including a cardiac unit, post-anesthesia recovery, and emergency. She went on to complete a master’s in healthcare administration at the University of Minnesota.

“I love having the opportunity to work with and serve people from my hometown. It’s my goal to lead, support, and promote a culture of empathy and quality care.”

Linn Block is a wife and mother of three children. She currently resides on the family farm with her husband and daughter, Brinkley, a sixth grader at South Central Calhoun. Her two grown sons, Joey (and wife Grace) and Jacob, attended SCC as well.

JIM HENKENIUS, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Since 1989, Jim Henkenius has served as the CFO at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital. The Iowa native earned his Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City.

Henkenius is a member of the Health Financial Management Association (HFMA) and is active with his children’s activities, church and community. He is a volunteer 5th-6th grade Football coach and 6th grade boys’ Basketball coach for Southern Cal Schools. He is also a board member of The Kids Spot Day Care, Committee member for the Lake City Pool Fundraiser, Usher and Finance committee member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and a volunteer worker at the Capri Theatre.

Jim and his wife Jodi are the parents of five children, Chelsey, Ashley, Derrick, Emily and Joshua. In addition to being involved with his family and church, Jim enjoys golfing and doing crossword puzzles.

ANN LENGELING, CHIEF NURSING OFFICER

Throughout her nursing career, Ann Lengeling has held many roles. She began as an aide and, as she advanced her education, worked as a licensed practical nurse, and as a registered nurse before earning her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Iowa. Over the years she’s worked on the inpatient floor and as an emergency room nurse in a hospital on all kinds of shifts, including nights and weekends.

Her most recent role was with Kindred Hospice as Executive Director. While Ann feels strongly about hospice care, she says she missed providing care for acute patients in the hospital. “My leadership goals led me back to the hospital setting.”

Ann and her husband, Nate, have three children: Grace, Wade, and Nora. The family enjoys spending time together while camping and kayaking.

MELISSA WALLACE, CHIEF CLINIC OFFICER

Melissa Wallace, BSN, assumed the role of Stewart Memorial Community Hospital’s Chief Clinic Officer in November of 2024.

Melissa brings 12 years of nursing expertise and leadership to Stewart Memorial Community Hospital with a strong background in critical care and administrative roles, previously serving as the Med-Surg-Peds and Critical Care Unit Director at St. Anthony Regional Hospital.

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa and began her career as a cardiac/surgical intensive care nurse at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Over the years, she has held various leadership positions, including ER and Critical Care Clinical Supervisor, ER House Supervisor, and Interim Director of the Intensive Care Unit.

Passionate about mentoring, Melissa credits her success to the guidance of exceptional mentors and now focuses on mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. She is dedicated to fostering growth and excellence within her team and is excited to contribute to the exceptional care provided by Stewart Memorial Community Hospital.