Jared C. Chaffin

Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Company: Friend Community Healthcare System
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

Jared C. Chaffin, chief executive officer and chief financial officer at Friend Community Healthcare System, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in health care finance and operations.

Mr. Chaffin has found much success as a dedicated executive in the health care sector, currently excelling as chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Friend Community Healthcare System in Nebraska. He assumed the role of chief executive officer in early 2024, at a critical juncture when the rural hospital faced imminent closure. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and financial acumen, Mr. Chaffin successfully reduced expenses by $1 million and increased revenue by an additional $1 million, enabling the hospital to remain operational.

Mr. Chaffin’s efforts with Friend Community Healthcare System secured a bailout from the city, preserving the last city-owned hospital in Nebraska and safeguarding health care access for approximately 900 residents. Under his stewardship, the hospital continues to operate with limited cash reserves, often sustaining only one to 14 days of operations at a time. Mr. Chaffin’s daily focus is on maintaining employment for 50 staff members, forging partnerships with local vendors and facilities, and engaging with the community to garner support.

Prior to his appointment as chief executive officer, Mr. Chaffin has served as the chief financial officer at Friend Community Healthcare System since 2022. In this capacity, he manages all financial matters for the organization, drawing upon his expertise in accounting, finance and health care operations. His commitment to rural health care is further reflected in his memberships with the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the American Hospital Association.

Before relocating to Nebraska, Mr. Chaffin was active as the controller for a construction company for one year, overseeing financial operations for a business with $20 million in annual revenue and approximately 75 employees. His responsibilities during this time included managing all aspects of financial reporting and compliance.

In 2020, Mr. Chaffin held the position of the assistant chief financial officer at one of HCA Healthcare’s largest hospitals in Houston, Texas. Although his tenure lasted five months, he contributed to the financial management of a major health care facility during a period of significant industry challenges. From 2015 to 2020, Mr. Chaffin advanced through KPMG International, ultimately working as a senior manager in audit. In this role, he led audit teams on public audits and health care engagements, collaborating with professionals from at least 20 different countries and gaining valuable experience in international business practices.

Mr. Chaffin’s earlier career included his efforts as a senior auditor at Ernst & Young from 2013 to 2015 in Dallas, Texas, where he focused on large hospital systems and pharmaceutical companies. In this tenure, he developed expertise in public accounting for stock exchange-listed companies and gained proficiency in preparing regulatory filings such as 10-Q and 10-K reports. Mr. Chaffin embarked upon his professional path as a staff accountant in Nashville in 2010 before advancing to senior auditor within three years. Previously, Mr. Chaffin briefly garnered experience as a controller in the construction sector and as an assistant golf professional at a country club.

Throughout his career, Mr. Chaffin has demonstrated expertise in accounting, finance, merchandising, auditing and health care operations. He is recognized for his servant leadership style—prioritizing the well-being of patients and their families—and is known for his loyalty and commitment to organizational success.

To support his professional ambitions, Mr. Chaffin pursued an education at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee, from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2009. He eventually graduated with a Master of Business Administration from the aforementioned university in 2010. Moreover, Mr. Chaffin obtained his certification as a public accountant in 2012—a credential that has been instrumental throughout his career—and holds a blackbelt designation in taekwondo.

Mr. Chaffin’s achievements have been complemented by civic and service-oriented activities. An Eagle Scout since youth, he remains involved with First Street Bible Church and participates in ministry work across multiple organizations. He is also a donor supporting individuals abroad and serves as a sponsor for missionaries and foreign students attending Nebraska University.

Mr. Chaffin attributes much of his success to guidance from mentors throughout his career as well as his Christian faith—principles that inform both his professional conduct and personal interactions. Looking toward the future, he remains committed to advancing rural health care access across the United States. He advocates for regulatory reforms that address disparities between urban and rural hospitals and has engaged policymakers in Washington D.C., emphasizing the importance of supporting rural communities. Mr. Chaffin aspires to continue making a difference as an executive leader while remaining devoted to his roles as husband and father with hopes of expanding his family further.

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