Dear colleagues,
Ten years ago this month, I was interviewing for a role at a startup, provider-led organization focused on quality as envisioned by the Kansas Medical Society (KMS) and the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA). Health care was in the midst of significant change and at the heart of those discussions were important conversations around improving quality, safety, and value. KMS and KHA—two organizations committed to improving health care in Kansas—partnered to establish the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative. Today, that startup has grown into a nationally respected leader in quality improvement and patient safety.
It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve as KHC’s executive director during this time of unprecedented change in health care. It has also been the greatest gift to work in service of hospitals, physicians, and patients to help improve the health care system. As many of you know, I’m a lifelong learner always seeking to advance knowledge, change, and growth. The time has come in my life and career to explore other opportunities, both personally and professionally. My last day at KHC will be Wednesday, March 20, the first day of spring.
Serving as interim executive directors to lead KHC during this transition will be Jon Rosell, Executive Director of KMS, and Tom Bell, President & CEO of KHA. Jon and Tom have also engaged two key leaders from their teams—Allison Peterson DeGroff and Karen Braman. Our strong and familiar KHC team will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of programs that so many of you participate in.
Thank you for your engagement, leadership, and collaboration over the last 10 years. Thank you for your continued support of KHC, and your many contributions to the advancement of quality health care in your communities throughout Kansas.
Warmest regards,
Kendra Tinsley
(Posted: March 14, 2019)