Swope Health Announces Two Senior Leadership Appointments

Posted August 24, 2026

Swope Health announced the selection of two leadership appointments: Rachael Gandolph as executive vice president of dental services and Debra Simpson as chief human resources officer.

Gandolph will guide Swope Health’s dental strategy, operations and expansion of accessible oral healthcare for patients in the Kansas City region, according to a release. She will also oversee Swope Health’s advanced education in general dentistry program.

Dr. Rachael Gandolph, Executive Vice President of Dental Services at Swope Health. Photo credit: Swope Health.

Gandolph brings nearly two decades of dental executive and clinician experience to her new role. Most recently, Gandolph served as the executive director and dental service line leader at HealthNet, where she provided executive oversight for four dental centers with more than 30,000 annual patient encounters.

“Dr. Gandolph’s experience leading complex dental operations, developing high-performing teams and advancing inclusive care makes her exceptionally well prepared for this role,” Jeron Ravin, president and CEO of Swope Health, said in the release.

The announcement of Simpson’s promotion comes following her elevation to interim chief human resources officer in May 2025. Simpson first joined Swope Health in 2022 as a human resources business partner director.

Debra Simpson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Swope Health. Photo credit: Swope Health.

“Debra’s promotion to Chief Human Resources Officer reflects her proven ability to align people strategy with organizational goals, strengthen culture and support the teams who carry out our mission every day. Together, their [Gandolph and Simpson] leadership will help advance Swope Health’s commitment to quality, access and community wellness,” Ravin said in the release.

Swope Health is a comprehensive primary care, dental care and mental health provider in the Greater Kansas City Area. Swope Health served more than 55,000 patients in 2025 at 24 locations throughout the region, including Kansas City, Mo., Belton, Mo., Independence, Mo., Excelsior Springs, Mo., North Kansas City, and KCK.

Last week, Swope Health announced it had received a $5 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation to support the $130 million Swope Health Village development and its Women’s & Children’s Center.