2026 Kennedy-Kafer Service Award Recipient: Sara Leahy

3RNET is proud to recognize Sara Leahy, Director of Member Services at the Colorado Rural Health Center, as the 2026 recipient of the Kennedy-Kafer Service Award. The award honors a 3RNET member whose passion, dedication, and loyalty reflect the legacy of its namesakes, Nikki Kennedy-Kafer and Jerry Kafer.

Sara has been connected to 3RNET for approximately 17 years. Through her work with the Colorado Rural Health Center, service on the 3RNET Board of Directors, and participation in the Annual Conference planning committee, she has contributed to the relationships, collaboration, and shared learning that make the 3RNET Network such a valuable resource for rural healthcare workforce professionals.

We asked Sara to reflect on her history with 3RNET, her commitment to service, and what the Network means to her.

Tell us about when and how you were first connected with 3RNET.

I first became connected with 3RNET approximately 17 years ago through my work with the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC).

Colorado has a rich history with 3RNET. CRHC’s founding State Office of Rural Health director was one of the staff members around the country who helped develop 3RNET in its early days.

My first 3RNET Annual Conference was in New Mexico, where Melissa Candeleria and Jerry Harrison were fantastic hosts. I was able to learn from more seasoned members how to best utilize 3RNET, engage with our rural facilities in Colorado, and begin building lasting relationships with members from other states.

That early experience helped shape my connection to 3RNET and showed me the value of learning from and collaborating with colleagues across the country.

Tell us about your history with 3RNET. What committees, projects, events, and more have you helped with?

I have served on the 3RNET Board of Directors in the past and currently serve on the Board. I have also been involved with the Annual Conference planning committee for many years, including helping plan a conference in Colorado.

Being involved in these opportunities has allowed me to contribute to the Network while continuing to learn from other members and support the shared work of rural healthcare workforce development.

What does “service” mean to you?

To me, service is devoting your time, energy, and expertise to others in a community that is in need.

My career has been service-based, with 25 years spent working with nonprofit organizations serving different populations and causes. Serving communities is something I have always strived to do in my profession, and I am so fortunate to be able to do this through the Colorado Rural Health Center as well as 3RNET.

CRHC is Colorado’s State Office of Rural Health and a nonprofit, independent organization serving 54 rural and frontier communities across the state. It is a privilege to be able to support this work and contribute to efforts that strengthen healthcare access for rural communities.

What does the 3RNET Network of membership organizations mean to you?

The Network is the most valuable part of 3RNET for me personally.

I have always gained so much knowledge, best practices, perspectives on challenges, and ideas to bring more innovation into our work through the support, help, and trust of the 3RNET Network.

The relationships within 3RNET provide opportunities to learn from one another, share ideas, and gain new perspectives on the challenges facing rural healthcare workforce professionals. It is a network where members can turn to one another for support and collaboration.

Being part of this community is a true privilege.

What advice would you give to someone new to 3RNET or new to recruitment?

Reach out if you need anything!

Use the 3RNET staff for questions, connections, or another voice to bounce an idea off of. Mike, Kristine, Mark, Mandi, Jackie, and Natalie have tremendous experience and knowledge between them.

The staff and the broader 3RNET Network are valuable resources. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, make connections, and seek out the support you need.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you. It is a true privilege to be recognized.

Congratulations to Sara Leahy on receiving the 2026 Kennedy-Kafer Service Award!

We are grateful for her continued service to 3RNET, her dedication to rural healthcare, and the relationships she helps strengthen across the Network.

Thank you, Sara, for all you do to support rural and frontier communities.