By: Ryan Duey

Photo Courtesy of Via Christi Hospital

Via Christi Hospital has named Patrick Avila as the new president of the hospital in Manhattan, with his leadership role beginning April 20, 2026. Drew Talbot will continue serving as interim president until Avila officially starts.

Avila brings more than twenty five years of healthcare leadership experience, including time as chief executive officer of community and regional hospitals across the Midwest. Throughout his career he has focused on improving financial performance, expanding access to care and strengthening engagement among physicians and hospital staff.

Hospital board chair Katie Seay said Avila’s leadership reflects Via Christi’s commitment to excellence, compassion and long term strength for the Manhattan community.

Most recently, Avila held executive roles overseeing operational, financial and clinical performance while also building strong community partnerships and guiding cultural transformation efforts within hospital teams.

Avila is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds an MBA from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.