Rising Professional, College of Business, Leadership, and Ethics

As chief financial officer at Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa, Kolin Huth ’21, ’22 is doing just what he always pictured himself doing. He is, however, doing it a lot sooner than he envisioned.

“I am doing exactly what I feel the good Lord has called me to do,” Huth said. “I did not expect to be in an executive role this early in my career, but the tools, experiences, and education that Viterbo gave me allowed me to accelerate into an executive position.”

A native of Richland Center and graduate of Ithaca High School, Huth followed in the footsteps of his two older brothers in getting his education at Viterbo. His oldest brother, Kyle, received an MBA in 2012, while another brother, Kole, graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Huth knew he wanted to be a health care executive, reasoning that the way he can help the most people is by taking care of the doctors, nurses, and others who care for the patients. He has the distinction of being the first student in the 4+1 MBA program in health care leadership, earning his graduate degree in 2022 after graduating in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in health care and wellness management.

In his position as CFO, he has been tapped to be part of many working groups through the Iowa Hospital Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

A fourth-generation cattleman, he is part owner of Huth Cattle Company, which was named Wisconsin Angus Breeder of the Year in 2022. In addition to working with his father, David, to run the cattle operation, Huth also serves as a judge in cattle shows across the country and has chaired the National Junior Angus Show.

On top of all that, Huth has a growing rental property business, with properties in Prairie du Chien, Sparta, and La Crosse (close enough to Viterbo for students to be among his tenants).

He credits his significant other, Samantha Hilleshiem, for her constant support as he has tackled the challenges of his career. She also is a Viterbo graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2021 and a master’s degree in education in 2022.

Huth worked in the alumni office when he was an undergrad and recalls really admiring those who had been singled out for recognition with a Distinguished Alumni Award. He said he is humbled and grateful to be counted among them now.

“I am honored to know that the people who those the honorees believe I have continued to demonstrate Viterbo's core values of hospitality, integrity, contemplation, stewardship, and service,” he said. “These values have been able to keep me motivated and grounded during some of the challenging times we face in health care.”

2023 Viterbo University Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients main page