Via Christi has appointed Lori Tackett, MSN, RN, as the new President of Via Christi St. Teresa and Travis Francis as Administrator of Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital.
Lori Tackett will lead Via Christi St. Teresa’s senior management team in carrying out Via Christi’s mission of providing safe, quality healthcare to all, especially those who are most vulnerable. She formerly served as the Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Operating Officer for both Via Christi St. Teresa and Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital since December 2023. Her significant contributions were instrumental in St. Teresa’s recent recognition by Premier, Inc. as one of the nation’s 2025 Top 20 Small Community Hospitals.
Lori is a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Registered Nursing and a Master of Science degree in Nursing. She was recognized with the Excellence in Healthcare award from the Wichita Business Journal in 2022 and nominated for the Heart of Healthcare award by the Kansas Hospital Association in July 2024.
"I am excited that Lori Tackett has accepted the position of President of Via Christi St. Teresa," said Kevin Strecker, Via Christi CEO. "Her passion for creating a culture of safety, kindness and community will be an inspiration to the teams she will lead as St. Teresa’s President."
Travis Francis will serve as the Administrator of Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, overseeing the daily operations of the hospital as well as Outpatient Physical/Occupational Therapy Centers, Occupational Health Clinics, Sports Medicine, Home Medical Services and the RetainWorks Federal Grant. He began his career with Via Christi in 1996 as the assistant certified athletic trainer for the Wichita Wings. He later became Operations Manager for 19 specialty clinics, moving into the role of Director of Occupational Health in 2017. In 2019, Travis became the Director of Operations with oversight of Occupational Health, Sports Medicine, Weight Management, Sleep Medicine and Neuro-Diagnostics.
Travis is a graduate of Washburn University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education/Athletic Training and from Ohio University’s College of Health and Human Services with a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training. He is the former president of the Kansas Athletic Trainers Association and, through his work with the Kansas Sports Concussion Partnership, helped draft Kansas legislation requiring a MD or DO to authorize a student athlete’s return to practice and play following a suspected concussion.
Kevin Strecker said, “With nearly 30 years of dedication to Via Christi, Travis brings a wealth of experience and compassion to his new role as Administrator. His commitment to our mission of providing care for those in need makes him an exceptional leader for Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital.”
