Children’s Mercy Kansas City CEO plans to retire, and more | MED MOVES

Paul Kempinski, president & CEO of Children’s Mercy Kansas City, has announced his plans to retire.

Paul Kempinski

Kempinski possesses more than four decades of leadership in healthcare. The system praised his leadership of the organization during a period of substantial growth. He began leading Children’s Mercy in November 2018.

“It has been an honor to serve as President & CEO of one of the finest children’s health systems in the country,” Kempinski said in a statement. “This place is enormously special and a wonderful community asset.”

“My greatest joy over the last six years has been witnessing the amazing work of 8,000 extraordinary Children’s Mercy team members.”

Kempinski serves on the board of trustees of the Children’s Hospital Association. He’s gained recognition from other leaders across the industry.

“Paul is a fierce advocate for the important role of children’s hospitals across the country,” Jeff Sperring, MD, CEO of Seattle Children’s and board chair of the Children’s Hospital Association. “His active engagement and leadership on the CHA Board of Trustees has been instrumental in the progress we have made in being champions for children’s health across the country.”

The hospital’s board is looking for a new CEO and has tapped WittKieffer, an executive search firm. Kempinski will continue to lead the system until his successor is named and is in place to ensure a smooth transition.

Bill Krueger, chairman of the Children’s Mercy board, said Kempinski has broad “dedicated leadership” to the organization.

“He pushed our organization to new heights and maintained an unwavering focus on providing extraordinary care to every child we serve. We are grateful for the indelible impact Paul made on Children’s Mercy,” Krueger said in a statement.

Tauana McDonald

Mount Carmel Health System names new CEO

Tauana McDonald, has been named president and chief executive officer of Mount Carmel Health System, part of Trinity Health.

McDonald will begin her role July 1, 2024. She will become the first Black woman to be named president and CEO of a health system in central Ohio. She also will be the first Black woman to lead Mount Carmel since the system was formed 138 years ago.

“I’m thrilled to begin this new role and continue partnering with our incredible colleagues and staff in building on the momentum we’ve created here at Mount Carmel to advance our Mission,” McDonald said in a statement. “I’ve come to call Columbus home and am honored to serve the needs of the Central Ohio Community.”

McDonald has been working with Trinity Health since 2003. In 2017, she became chief administrative officer at Mount Carmel.

Ben Carter, Trinity Health’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, says McDonald is “a dynamic leader well-poised to lead Mount Carmel into the next chapters of success.”

“She was critical to Mount Carmel’s financial, quality and culture turnaround. Her track record of excellence speaks for itself,” Carter said in a statement.

Terry Forde

Adventist HealthCare CEO is stepping down

Terry Forde, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare is planning to step down.

Forde is leaving his role to become president and CEO of Health First, based in Florida.

He has been leading Adventist HealthCare for 13 years.

"It has been an honor to work with the dedicated leaders and team members of Adventist HealthCare, especially during the midst of a pandemic and significant change in the health industry," Forde said in a statement. "I am so glad to have been part of an organization dedicated to being the best choice for both patients and team members and look forward to joining Health First to promote vibrant wellbeing in Florida.”

Adventist HealthCare operates six hospitals and more than 50 facilities across the greater Washington, D.C., region.

Emmanuel Asiedu, chair of the Adventist board of directors, praised Forde as a “tireless advocate.”

“We are grateful for his many achievements and for the leadership system he established that will continue to guide our delivery of high-quality, compassionate care to our community,” Asiedu said in a statement.

Rodger Page

Dignity Health selects market president

Rodger Page has been appointed as president of Dignity Health’s North State Market.

The market includes four hospitals: Mercy Redding, Mercy Mt. Shasta, Sierra Nevada Memorial and St. Elizabeth Red Bluff. Dignity Health is part of the CommonSpirit Health system.

"I am excited and honored to assume the role of market president and embark on this journey,” Page said in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated teams to continue delivering high-quality care and making a positive impact in the lives of our patients and communities.”

Page has already been leading two hospitals. He has served as president of Mercy Medical Center-Mt. Shasta since 2018, and he has led St. Elizabeth Community Hospital-Red Bluff since 2020. Page will continue to serve as CEO of these two hospitals along with his new role.

Julie J. Sprengel, CommonSpirit Health’s California region president, said Page will help advance the system’s mission.

“I’m confident that with Rodger’s leadership, the North State will continue to be the beacon of hope for those seeking quality health care,” Sprengel said.