The soon-to-be owners of St. Francis Health have announced new leadership for the Topeka hospital, saying Tuesday they will keep just two members of the hospital’s current leadership team.
Nashville-based Ardent Health and The University of Kansas said a national search is underway to find a chief executive officer to oversee the hospital, which will be renamed The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, said Mark Gregson, chief transition officer. He will serve as interim CEO.
The sale is expected to be completed in the first half of November.
Retaining their positions will be Chief Medical Officer Jacqueline Hyland, M.D., and Chief Nursing Officer Lisa Alexander.
President David Setchel, along with Essence Montgomery, vice president of finance, and Erik Olson, vice president of the medical group, will be replaced as the health system transitions, a news release said.
Setchel joined St. Francis in 2012, first serving as chief operating officer and then taking over as president in February 2015.
“It has been my privilege to serve alongside the associates, medical staff and volunteers of St. Francis Health. I am eternally grateful for their perseverance, resilience and commitment to taking care of our patients under the most difficult circumstances,” Setchel said. “St. Francis is in eminently capable hands with Ardent Health Services and The University of Kansas Health System. The future holds endless possibilities, and I wish all the best for this organization.”
Jenna Speckart, vice president of mission integration, left the hospital earlier this year.
Following the transition, Samuel Moore will assume the role of chief financial officer and Jim Bancuk will serve as interim practice administrator.
Steve Saffa, who previously was with the St. Francis Health system, will return as director of human resources, focusing strongly on employee relations and recruitment.
