Truman Medical Centers announced Friday that Chief Executive Officer John Bluford will retire effective July 18 after 15 years in the position.
Bluford turns 65 on May 1.
Bluford is working with a transition committee that includes Truman board members and appointees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.
The committee will consider internal candidates first for Bluford’s successor, and will broaden the search if necessary. The transition team intends to name a successor before Bluford departs, officials said.
“During his tenure as CEO, John’s unwavering vision and extraordinary commitment for TMC to provide high-quality health care, better for everyone, has led us to new heights never before imagined. In addition, we are grateful that he has conscientiously assembled an outstanding leadership team that will continue his legacy and ensure our future success,” Truman’s board chair, Peggy Dunn, said in a prepared statement.
Bluford said he intends to stay in the Kansas City area and remain “civically engaged.”
He also will mentor healthcare leaders through the Bluford Healthcare Leadership Institute, which he established in 2013.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the patients of TMC and the Kansas City and Jackson County community,” Bluford said.
Truman officials said Bluford’s accomplishments included increasing total annual net revenue by $283 million and capital and technology investments of more than $400 million during his tenure.
There is a new cardiology suite, major radiology enhancements, a new emergency department, a new diabetes center and renovated operating suites at TMC Hospital Hill. TMC Lakewood opened a new outpatient surgery center, added new inpatient medical/surgical beds, a new emergency department in 2006 and in 2012, and opened a new birthing center.
Bluford was chair of the American Hospital Association in 2011 and he also has chaired the National Association of Public Hospitals, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Hospital Association.
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