Laurie McCormack announces retirement from her role as Executive Director of AdventHealth Kansas City Foundation and AdventHealth Ottawa Foundation.
The AdventHealth Kansas City Foundation and AdventHealth Ottawa Foundation today announced a leadership transition following the retirement of Executive Director Laurie McCormack. Nathan Marticke, who has served as Associate Executive Director since 2023, has been named the new Executive Director, effective November 16.
McCormack will retire on November 15 after more than 40 years of service in philanthropy, external relations and communications in Kansas City, including nearly seven years at AdventHealth. During that time, she helped the AdventHealth Kansas City and Ottawa Foundations achieve new milestones in strategic growth and community-focused philanthropy. Under her leadership, the Foundation:
- Secured a $740,000 competitive grant awarded from the Kansas Department of Commerce to expand the Simulation Lab, where nurses from all stages of their careers receive hands-on experience, develop new skills and earn continuing education credits.
- Recognized the 50th anniversary of providing behavioral health services at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission with the launch of a fundraising campaign to build a new behavioral health outpatient center which included generous contributions of $5 million from the Sunderland Foundation and $1 million from Dr. Doug and Barbara Cusick, among others.
- Raised $600,000 for the AdventHealth Ottawa Health Park, a capital expansion and renovation project that enabled increased health care services and physician specialties offered to Franklin County residents.
- Launched the Foundation’s first grateful patient program, creating opportunities for patients to share their stories and to recognize caregivers.
- Led the rebrand of its signature event, Tiny Tim Holiday Fantasy, to Tinsel & Tidings, introducing the Festive Fashion Faceoff and achieving the highest fundraising total in event history with proceeds benefitting the B.E. Smith Family Center.
- Expanded the Foundation’s reach to serve all AdventHealth Kansas City campuses.
“Laurie’s leadership has strengthened our hospital system and transformed how philanthropy supports whole-person care at AdventHealth,” said Sam Huenergardt, president and CEO of AdventHealth Mid-America Region. “Her ability to connect mission with generosity has left a lasting legacy. We are confident Nathan will continue this momentum with vision, passion, and experience.”
Marticke brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership and development experience to the role. Before joining AdventHealth Kansas City Foundation in 2023, he served 11 years in various leadership and development roles at Park University, his alma mater, including as Chief Advancement Officer, where he oversaw fundraising, alumni engagement and strategic partnerships. His prior roles include development leadership positions at the University of Missouri, William Jewell College and the University of Central Florida.
At AdventHealth, Marticke has helped drive donor engagement, strengthen community partnerships, and support strategic initiatives — including the recent installation and dedication of SHiNE, a new sculpture in the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation Welcome Garden at B.E. Smith Family Center, home of the Britain Development program. The sculpture, funded by the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation and Logan Baker Foundation in partnership with the AdventHealth Kansas City Foundation, depicts 46 stars in remembrance of children who received services at Britain Development who passed away far too young. Marticke also helped lead the development and implementation of the Foundation’s first five-year strategic plan to help drive efforts moving forward.
“It has been an honor to lead this team and advance a mission focused on compassionate care and community well-being. I’m grateful to have worked alongside people who care deeply for others.” said Laurie McCormack. “I could not be more confident in Nathan’s leadership and the future of the Foundation. His dedication to philanthropy, strategic insight, and heart for this community make him the right leader for this next chapter.”
In 2024, the AdventHealth Kansas City Foundation reimagined its beloved Tiny Tim Holiday Fantasy—benefiting children and families served at the B.E. Smith Family Center for 42 years—as Tinsel & Tidings from AdventHealth. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, November 6, where the Foundation will honor McCormack’s leadership and formally recognize Marticke’s new role. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tinselandtidings.org.
About the AdventHealth Kansas City Foundation
Philanthropy has played a key role in the history of AdventHealth. The impact can be seen each day, such as the Shull Institute for Surgical Robotics, Critical Care Services Expansion, AdventHealth Birth Center at Shawnee Mission, Zamierowski Simulation Center, and the B.E. Smith Family Center. AdventHealth Foundation is committed to enhancing both the high-tech and high-touch care for which AdventHealth is known. The Foundation Board of Directors work closely with Foundation staff and AdventHealth leadership to select and create opportunities for philanthropic giving. This includes facilities that provide direct care to members of our community and programs that have a life-changing, positive impact on health. For more information, please visit adventhealthkcfoundation.com.