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Kansas City, MO — Health Forward President/CEO Bridget McCandless, M.D., has announced her plans to retire later this year. Dr. McCandless joined Health Forward in September 2013, after serving as an inaugural member of the board of directors from 2003-2008.
New board chairperson Peg VanWagoner is forming a search committee who will in turn hire a firm to conduct a search for Health Forward’s next President/CEO. Dr. McCandless plans to remain with Health Forward until her replacement has been announced.
“It has been a great honor to lead Health Forward. I am proud of this foundation’s steady commitment to the community, the strong values that form and continue to guide the foundation, and the ongoing commitment to providing an independent voice for issues affecting those most in need,” said Dr. McCandless.
“As we move forward to a new era, I know that this dedicated board and staff will continue to uphold the founding principles of compassion, inclusion, diversity, and stewardship. We hold close the knowledge that we are entrusted with public funds and that comes with great responsibility. I look forward to celebrating the next evolution of leadership and success of Health Forward Foundation.”
Before arriving at Health Forward, Dr. McCandless spent her career providing medical care to low-income individuals, including serving 13 years as medical director of the Shared Care Free Clinic of Jackson County.
“The Health Forward Board of Directors is very grateful for Bridget’s incredible leadership over the past five years and wish her all the best on this next journey,” said VanWagoner.
“We look to our future with optimism and excitement. The board of directors commits to a thorough process to identify our next leader that will build on Bridget’s many successes and advance the foundation forward.”
Interested parties may email executivesearch@healthforward.org until a search firm has been selected. Messages will be forwarded to the search firm.
