If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Kyle Ahlenstorf, you’ve felt his energy: genuine, optimistic, and deeply committed to the people he serves. Recently named the Interim CEO of Decatur County Public Health, while continuing his role as CEO of Infinity Health, Kyle is leaning fully into a vision of collaboration, compassion, and community wellness across Decatur County, south central Iowa, and beyond. It may seem like a lot to take on, but these aren’t just jobs for Kyle – it’s a calling.

A Partnership to Keep Decatur County Strong

As the landscape of public health shifts across the U.S., Iowa and Decatur County specifically are navigating a period of transition, one that requires strong leadership and a united front.

Kyle stepped into the interim role to help guide that transition.

“We’re looking for compassion, we’re looking for connection, and we’re looking for community wellness,” he shared. “Those three values really support the collaboration happening between Infinity Health and Decatur County Public Health.”

Public health departments statewide are adapting as funding structures change, and Kyle wants to ensure Decatur County remains strong, represented, and ready.

“Decatur County wants to be at the table. We want to show that our community is surviving, and that we’re finding partnerships to make sure the services people rely on continue to be available.”

Supporting Families, Schools & Community Members

Decatur County Public Health offers several important services for families, children, and adults, which Kyle is passionate about protecting and promoting.

Parents as Teachers
This program supports parents in Decatur and Clarke counties by helping them understand and meet their child’s developmental milestones. It brings education and support directly into the home so children can safely grow in a familiar environment with confidence.

Immunizations & Vaccines
With walk-in availability, a skilled nurse on staff, and support for all ages, from children to older adults, Decatur County Public Health remains a trusted local resource for vaccines.

Tobacco & Health Education
Through tobacco grant funding, health educators visit schools to talk with students and adults about healthy nutrition, substance use, and long-term risks associated with tobacco and drug use.

These programs are a small part of a much larger vision: helping families stay healthy, informed, and supported.

• If you live with roommates and cover your own expenses separately, you apply individually.
• If your family shares expenses across generations, your income is combined.

Celebrating Wins & Building Forward

Kyle is especially proud of the growth of the Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at Infinity Health. What started as a small idea became a thriving initiative in just a year.

The council recently helped launch Infinity Health’s first patient engagement survey, sending over 1,100 surveys and receiving more than 120 responses in the first month alone.

“The positivity of those responses tells us we’re heading in the right direction.”

Infinity Health is currently redefining its mission, vision, and values, focusing on:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Commitment
• Excellence

These values will guide both internal staff development and how patients experience care.

“We want every patient to feel respected. We want to protect their information with integrity. We want to show commitment through community involvement. And we want to be excellent at everything we do, while still striving to grow.”

We’re Here: Getting Involved and Staying Close to Community

Even with a full plate at Infinity Health, Kyle didn’t hesitate to take on the additional leadership role.

“Healthcare is evolving. Collaborations and consolidation are becoming necessary. Serving as both CEO of Infinity Health and public health administrator lets us open more doors for people, doors that could close if we don’t work together.”

But there’s also a personal reason. Kyle, his wife, and their three children recently moved to Decatur County.

“I want this community to know we’re invested. We’re here. We’re committed. Taking on this role is one more way to show that.”

He and his family are already getting involved, from volunteering, to joining the Rotary Club, to helping coach youth basketball. They visit the libraries in both Leon and Lamoni, attend local events, and love meeting people along the way. After all, here, everyone is your neighbor.

“If you see us out, talk to us. Invite us to things. We want to be involved.”

A Leader Focused on People Above All

Above everything, titles, roles, responsibilities, Kyle wants the community to know one thing:

“I’m approachable. My family is approachable. We want to know you. We want to serve you. And we want to be part of what makes Decatur County great.”

He believes local health care should be more than clinical appointments—it should feel like connection, trust, and support.

And under his leadership, that’s exactly what Decatur County Public Health and Infinity Health aim to deliver.

Excited for the Future – Even the Unknown

When asked what excites him most, Kyle’s answer is surprising to some:

“The uncertainty.”

To him, uncertainty means opportunity.

“Uncertainty brings innovation. Innovation brings progress. And I’m excited to see what our staff and support teams create. I’m a resource, but they are the driving force behind our future.”

Looking forward, Kyle’s message to the community is simple:

Compassion for patients.
Connection to healthcare.
Commitment to the community.

Those are the pillars that will shape the partnership between Decatur County Public Health and Infinity Health. And with Kyle at the helm, the future looks not only promising, but personal.