What was it about Carondelet Health (and/or Kansas City) that lured you here from Saginaw, Michigan?

The diversity and culture of Kansas City intrigued me. Moving from a city of 55,000 in Saginaw to 2 million in Kansas City provides more opportunity for me to broaden my professional and personal experiences. Carondelet Health, which includes St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Center, three long-term care facilities, home health and physician practices, allows for the exploration of innovative business models and new creative ways to deliver care.

Tell us a little about your background, about the jobs and life experiences that helped you to this
point in your life?
I began my career in politics working as aide to the mayor of Jacksonville, Fla. During that time, a colleague told me he thought health care would be a good fit for me. I followed his advice and pursued a residency in hospital administration at St. James University Hospital in Leeds, England. I was hooked on health care. After that, I returned to Florida and cut my teeth working in variety of administrative positions in hospitals in Jacksonville, Gainesville and Tampa. I learned a great deal about the unique business of health care. From there, I joined Ascension Health as President and CEO of St. Mary’s of Michigan in Saginaw. Since September, I have served as President and CEO of Carondelet Health in Kansas City, which is also a part of Ascension Health, the largest non-profit and Catholic health system in the country.

Are there any initiatives in the works that you would like to share with us?
We are looking very closely at the possibilities for the land at 179th Street and 69 Highway. We are entering the third year of our 4-year option on that property and examining the market potential for health services in that growing community.

How do you view Carondelet Health’s relationship with the specific communities it serves, and with the greater Kansas City area at large?
Both St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Center’s have been fixtures and integral parts of the Kansas City and Blue Springs communities with histories dating back to 1874 and 1905 respectively. Just as we are partners with patients in their individual health care, we have been partners with the greater community. A robust health care provider network is key to the future of the city. We are actively involved in area chambers, community events and economic development. We are continually looking at the needs of our community, especially of the poor and underserved, and providing services where there is a need. Last year, our system provided millions in charitable care to residents in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

 

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