After six years, Kansas City Children’s Mercy President and CEO Paul Kempinski will retire, the hospital announced Thursday.
During his tenure, Children’s Mercy opened the Children’s Mercy Research Institute, initiated a program to address the youth mental health crisis and guided the hospital through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to continuing to contribute to improving children’s health and remaining actively involved in the Kansas City community,” Kempinski said in a news release. “This is the perfect time to hand the baton over to the next CEO to lead Children’s Mercy’s next phase of growth.”
The hospital board has hired a national search firm to find a new president and CEO, a process that will include input from clinical, research, academic and philanthropic partners and community stakeholders, Children’s Mercy said.
Kempinski also serves on the boards of several community organizations, including the Children’s Hospital Association, the Missouri Hospital Association, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Civic Council, KC Common Good, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Kansas City.
Kempinski will remain in his role at Children’s Mercy until a new CEO is hired.
“Paul has provided unwavering support to the Children’s Mercy team as we work to fulfill our mission of providing dedicated, holistic care to all children,” said Dr. Bradley Warady, director of the division of pediatric nephrology, “and as we continue our focus in groundbreaking translational research, innovation and educating the next generation of caregivers.”
