- AdventHealth

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 years opening of a third 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 the 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 Shawnee Mission Health'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 here. 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.
Recent News
Lake Mary Little League®, home of the 2024 Little League® World Series Champions, is proud to announce a new partnership with AdventHealth.
Every year, the American Heart Association recognizes programs that perform exceptionally in the area of stroke. We are proud to announce AdventHealth Avista, AdventHealth Littleton, AdventHealth...
Following AdventHealth’s mission to help team members, guests and patients Feel Whole, AdventHealth Castle Rock officially opened the Pittman Pathway Wellness Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
AdventHealth Millenia ER is celebrating its first anniversary of providing lifesaving, whole-person care to residents and visitors in West Orlando.
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale now offers life-saving stroke care with a new minimally invasive procedure, improving survival rates and quality of life.
The hospital’s three-story expansion will be completed in summer 2026.
Dr. Jason Jennings, orthopedic surgeon with AdventHealth Medical Group Colorado Joint Replacement at Porter, was selected to present his research findings at the 3rd International Consensus Meeting on...
When it comes to back health, how you sleep matters just as much as how you move during the day. According to Dr. Sharad Rajpal, a neurosurgeon at AdventHealth Avista, your nighttime habits can either...
Personal experiences and the desire to give back inspired AdventHealth Avista ICU Manager Megan May to pursue a career in nursing. Her journey began in the very halls of Avista, where as a child she...
July marks Fibroid Awareness Month—a time to spotlight a condition that affects an estimated 26 million women across the United States.
Aimee Keller-Pickford to serve as CEO of AdventHealth Winter Garden; Sheila Rankin to lead AdventHealth Winter Park.
AdventHealth Waterman becomes the first and only hospital in Lake and Sumter counties to offer Aquablation therapy, a new option for men with an enlarged prostate.