February 24, 2026
Immanuel is pleased to welcome Patricia Kearns as our new Vice President of Construction and Capital Planning. Patricia brings more than two decades of leadership experience in healthcare operations, capital development, and facilities planning.
As Vice President of Construction and Capital Planning, Patricia will apply her deep background in capital planning, facilities stewardship, and project leadership to support environments where residents, participants, and team members can thrive. All by creating spaces that are modern, efficient, safe, and aligned with our mission.
“Immanuel is a forward-thinking organization grounded in its mission to Christ-centered services for seniors and the communities it serves,” Patricia said. “I am thrilled to join a team whose talents are unparallel in the industry, and whose compassion and commitment shines so brightly.”
A career built on care and smart infrastructure
Patricia began her healthcare career as a physical therapist after completing her training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1999. Early in her practice, she joined QLI, a nationally recognized neurorehabilitation and long‑term care organization in Omaha. What started as “just a job” quickly became a formative, purpose-driven journey within QLI’s people‑centric culture.
Patricia assumed oversight of clinical services in 2004, later serving as Director of Clinical Services and Vice President of Clinical Services, roles in which she helped expand QLI’s proprietary Tri‑Dimensional Rehabilitation® model and led clinical and nursing teams. In 2010, when QLI’s founding CEO retired, she was appointed the organization’s second President & CEO, a position she held from 2011 to 2024.
Proven leadership in construction and capital planning
During her tenure as CEO, Patricia led multiple phases of capital projects and a multi‑year campus expansion to further develop QLI’s 65 acres of land and facilities. She developed long‑term capital planning strategies that modernized facilities and advanced organizational sustainability, work that contributed to national recognition for excellence in brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation and long‑term care. Her experience includes organizational culture, strategy, partnerships, fundraising, and risk management; capabilities she now brings to Immanuel.
After identifying and training her successor, Patricia concluded her role as CEO at the end of 2024 and continued serving QLI as a consultant in 2025 to support a multimillion‑dollar capital campaign.
Mission-driven and community‑engaged
Patricia is involved in Nebraska’s Healthcare Transformation Commission, reflecting her ongoing pursuit of improving care systems. She also volunteers as a mentor for the University of Nebraska at Omaha Women’s Basketball team and an ESL tutor for Learning for ALL, demonstrating a people‑first approach that aligns with Immanuel’s values.
Outside of work, Patricia is a proud mom who can often be found cheering on her daughter, Carsyn, at basketball and volleyball games, and making time to train their Labradoodle, Luna.
Tammy Sealer, Chief Development Officer, said Patricia immediately fit into Immanuel’s mission-driven culture.
“She has a heart for people, a commitment to purpose, and an openness to innovation,” Tammy said. “These qualities are what will allow her to lead not just projects, but impact at Immanuel.”
Immanuel is honored to welcome Patricia to our team.
