June 11, 2026
Immanuel is pleased to announce the promotion of Patricia Kearns to Chief Operating Officer. Pat brings more than two decades of leadership experience in healthcare operations, capital development, and facilities planning.
As COO, Pat will oversee the day-to-day operations of Immanuel’s service lines. She will also help ensure continued operational excellence, focus on residents and PACE® participants, and execute Immanuel’s operational strategy with discipline, agility, and accountability. She will play a critical role in supporting our growth, advancing our mission, and enabling team members to do their best work.
Pat joined Immanuel in early 2026 as Vice President of Construction and Capital Planning, bringing with her a deep background in capital planning, facilities stewardship, and project leadership.
Julie Kaminski, President and CEO of Immanuel, announced Pat’s promotion on June 3, 2026.
“In this short time, Pat has blended seamlessly with the team and made an impact on our mission through strong leadership, commitment to developing people, and a consistent focus on learning,” she said.
A career built on care and smart infrastructure
Pat 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.
Pat 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 operations and strategy
During her tenure as CEO, QLI solidified its role as a national leader in brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation and long-term care. The organization's reputation was built by delivering successful outcomes through the combination of clinical excellence and a healthy organizational culture. Pat led strategy for campus expansion, advancement of rehabilitation technology, revenue diversification, talent development, workforce stabilization, and community partnerships, an experience she now brings to Immanuel.
After identifying and training her successor, Pat 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
Pat is involved in Nebraska’s Healthcare Transformation Commission, reflecting her ongoing efforts to improve 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, Pat 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.
“Immanuel is a forward-thinking organization grounded in its mission to Christ-centered services for seniors and the communities it serves,” Pat said. “I am thrilled to be part of a team whose talents are unparalleled in the industry, and whose compassion and commitment shine so brightly.”
