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Regular Session, 2014
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 106
BY SENATOR THOMPSON
CONDOLENCES. Expresses condolences upon the passing of Linda Kimbrough Welch,
former executive director of the Rural Hospital Coalition.
A RESOLUTION1
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the2
passing of Linda Kimbrough Welch, lobbyist and former executive director of the3
Rural Hospital Coalition.4
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Senate of the5
Legislature of Louisiana has learned of the passing of Linda Welch, a beloved friend and6
trusted ally, on Tuesday, April 29, 2014; and7
WHEREAS, Linda Kimbrough Welch was born on June 6, 1946, in Mt. Olive,8
Mississippi, the youngest daughter of parents James and Katherine Temple Kimbrough; and9
WHEREAS, reared in Baton Rouge, Linda graduated from Istrouma High School,10
attended Louisiana State University where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Business11
Administration in 1970, and later completed post graduate studies in advanced auditing and12
governmental accounting; and13
WHEREAS, Linda Welch experienced great success with a lifelong career in the14
field of health care as a lobbyist and consultant on all manner of health management issues15
that included audits, budgets, and reimbursement methodologies; and16
WHEREAS, for nearly twenty years Linda afforded her leadership to the Rural17
Hospital Coalition and collaborated with health care providers to coordinate medical services18 SR NO. 106
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in rural settings in the most efficient manner; and during that same time period, she was the1
owner of HealthCare Solutions, LLC; and2
WHEREAS, her career in health care began at the Department of Health and3
Hospitals; first as chief auditor where she reviewed and approved all Medicaid audits; then4
as director of institutional reimbursement where she was involved in budget development,5
audits, and rate-setting procedures; and6
WHEREAS, in 1995, Linda became president and CEO of the Rural Hospital7
Coalition and made extraordinary strides to improve the availability of health care8
disciplines and delivery systems throughout the state; and9
WHEREAS, Linda Welch was instrumental in forging collaborative partnerships10
between health care providers, federal agencies, and the Department of Health and Hospitals,11
creating possibilities for shared technologies, resources, and expanded opportunities for the12
distribution of exceptional health services; and13
WHEREAS, Linda fought the good fight until the very end of her life; she is14
preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Earl Welch Sr., her parents, a brother,15
James Kimbrough, and a sister, Mary Kimbrough Womack; and16
WHEREAS, Linda is survived by her children, Kenneth Earl Welch Jr.,17
Mary Robyn Welch, and Jamie Marie Welch; five grandchildren, a host of close friends, and18
extended family; and19
WHEREAS, Linda Welch will forever be remembered by those whose lives she20
touched with her graciousness as a health care advocate, a loving mother, a kind sister, and21
a generous woman who gave back to those in her life and in her community; and22
WHEREAS, Linda Welch shall be remembered in the halls of the Louisiana23
Legislature for her honesty, forthright attitude, intelligence, and for her diligence in securing24
preventative and long-term health care services for the rural communities of this state. 25
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana26
does hereby express its sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the passing of27
Linda Kimbrough Welch, former executive director of the Rural Hospital Coalition.28
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the29
family of Linda Kimbrough Welch.30 SR NO. 106
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The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Susan P. Montague.
DIGEST
Thompson SR No. 106
Expresses condolences upon the death of Linda K. Welch, executive director of the Rural
Hospital Coalition.