Rick Haynes is hooked on learning

Rick Haynes grew up in Kanab, went to Kanab High School and rode motocross. That was really all I knew about “Ricky” back in the day. When his mother, Venna, called and asked me to interview Rick, he had just made Dean’s List at the University of Phoenix; she is so proud. He completed his Master of Business Administration and Master of Data Science.

“People think it’s the people who make the mistakes and cause strife, it’s not,” says Rick Haynes. “You put a good person into a bad process, and the process will win every time.” Photo by Laurali Noteman.

Rick’s parents are Neil and Venna, both retired now; Neil from banking, and Venna from teaching. After working in northern Illinois for over 15 years, Rick relocated to Colorado and met Brandy, and according to him, “she is cute, smart and a rock star.”

When asked what brought him back to Kanab, Rick responded, “Mom had two strokes. She and dad had taken care of me; it [was] time to take care of them.

“I told my wife, Brandy, I had to go take care of my parents.” Rick continued. “She didn’t even hesitate.”

Currently Rick is employed at Kane County Hospital (KCH) teaching Lean Six Sigma.

“[The program is] about creating more value with fewer resources by optimizing workflows and processes, eliminating nonvalue- added activities and empowering teams to solve problems at the source.”

He went on to explain, “Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology used to improve processes by identifying and eliminating defect, rework, reducing variability and enhancing quality.

“I’m hooked on learning. I seek out information.”

You must hold the designation of Master Black Belt level in the program to become an instructor. There are five belts you must master to reach that level, White, Yellow, Green, Black then Black Master.

“The great thing about being a Black Belt Master is every project is different.”

It is really fun to watch someone who is totally enthused and excited about their chosen field, Rick lights up when explaining Lean Six Sigma.

Rick’s title at KCH is Director of Continuous Improvement. Any who may be interested in learning about the program can call and ask for him, or email him at rhaynes@kanecountyhospitalut.gov.

I asked if people are implementing the changes? Rick responded with a smile, “Yes, I think everyone generally wants to make things better.”

For fun Rick plays the guitar, for Brandy’s ears only. They also explore new areas and dirt roads. We have plenty of those to keep the couple busy.