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WMMC President and CEO Announces Retirement
Warrensburg, MO (January 16, 2013)—John F. Smolen, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC), announced his retirement today. Smolen has been with WMMC since 2001 and will officially retire on July 31, 2013.
“The Board appreciates everything that John has done for our Medical Center and community,” says Steve Higgins, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “By sharing his retirement plans with us early on, John allowed the Board the time to very thoughtfully select a path forward as we begin our search for a new President/CEO.”
During Smolen’s tenure as President/CEO, WMMC saw the completion of the $51.5 million Master Facility Project that includes all private rooms in a brand new patient tower, growth of the Medical Staff and expansion of specialty services, and an overall increase in quality and patient satisfaction.
“John’s depth of experience in managing physician practices benefited WMMC as we continue to expand our services and welcome new physicians to our Medical Staff,” says Stephanie Long, MD, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Smolen joined WMMC as Vice President of Clinical Services/Chief Operating Officer in July 2001. In July 2011, he was appointed as Interim President and CEO by the Board of Trustees. At their September 2011 meeting, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Smolen as President/CEO effective immediately.
“John has set a vision for the future that will allow our Medical Center to thrive far beyond his tenure,” says Larry Purcell, DDS, Trustee and former Chair of the Board. “He’s been instrumental in the completion of our Master Facility Project and helping us to plan for the future as we consider a Medical Office Building and the addition of new specialties at WMMC.”
Smolen is retiring with more than 40 years of health care management experience. In addition to his roles as CEO and COO at WMMC, John has served in a variety of leadership capacities. Most notably, he served as Vice President of Professional Services at Saint Joseph Health Center in Kansas City, Missouri; Vice President of Professional Services and Medical Staff Operations at Marian Health Center in Sioux City, Iowa; and Administrator of Internal Medicine Associates in Omaha, Nebraska.
“Working with John was very refreshing and I learned an enormous amount from him as a new Board member,” says Kit Lindsay, Treasurer of the Board. “I appreciate his tutelage and I will be indebted to him for many years to come.”
“As a leader, John is very approachable and easy to converse with and the Board appreciates that,” says Dennis Boling, Secretary of the Board. “We wish him all the best in his retirement and thank him for all he’s done to enhance our Medical Center for our community.”
Smolen earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Creighton University and a Master’s Degree in Hospital and Healthcare Administration from Saint Louis University. He is a Board Certified Healthcare Executive and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
“I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with the Board of Trustees; Medical Staff, Administrative and Management Teams; volunteers and community supporters; and caring and committed employees,” says John F. Smolen, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Although it will be bittersweet for me to retire, I know that WMMC is poised to continue on its journey from ‘good to great’ as they address the evolving healthcare needs of our greater community.”
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services.
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