Shawnee Mission Health President and CEO Announces Departure

Merriam, Kan. – Ken Bacon, president and CEO of Shawnee Mission Health and the Mid-America Region of Adventist Health System, announced today he is leaving his position, effective April 6. Bacon will transition to a new role within AHS as CEO of the Centura Health South Denver Group hospitals in Denver, Colo. He will also represent the Rocky Mountain Region of AHS.

During his six-year tenure as CEO, SMH saw substantial growth, including last year’s opening of a third SMH campus in south Overland Park. Among his many other accomplishments, he oversaw the launch of the Shawnee Mission Birth Center, expansion of the campus at K-7 and Prairie Star Parkway in Lenexa, implementation of an aggressive ambulatory strategy that includes multiple new Centra Care Urgent Care Centers and significant renovations on the Shawnee Mission Medical Center campus. He also oversaw creation of the Shawnee Mission Cancer Center and its affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Network®. In addition, Bacon has been instrumental in raising funds for the B.E. Smith Family Center, scheduled to break ground on March 22.

“Ken’s leadership over the past six years has moved Shawnee Mission Health forward in many ways,” said Tim Rodgers, vice-chairman of SMH’s Board of Trustees. “He has set a vision for the future that will allow the system to thrive far beyond his tenure.”

Bacon has served more than 25 years in various roles within AHS. Among them, he was president and CEO of Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos, Texas; Parker Adventist Hospital in Parker, Colo.; and Littleton Adventist Hospital in Littleton, Colo.

“Leaving Shawnee Mission Health has been a very difficult decision,” Bacon said. “I have enjoyed my time in Kansas City much more than I ever imagined. It has been an honor to work at Shawnee Mission Health. Everyone from our front-line associates to our leaders, physicians and volunteers live our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. They are an amazing team that truly cares for the community. It has been my honor and privilege to serve with this team.”

AHS and the SMH Board of Trustees will immediately begin a search for Bacon’s replacement.