Bobby Olm-Shipman Named Chair of Kansas Hospital Association Board of Directors

Bobby Olm-Shipman, CEO of Saint Luke’s South and East Region, has been elected 2024 Chair of the Kansas Hospital Association Board of Directors.

During his one-year term as board chair, Olm-Shipman will guide the 21-member governing board that oversees the organization’s strategic activities and lead the organization on crafting its 2025-2027 strategic plan. 

He knows 2024 will be a unique year for Kansas hospitals with the presidential election cycle and topics slated on the legislative agenda.

“While the association’s members are very diverse, ranging from critical access hospitals serving rural communities to large tertiary and teaching institutions in our cities, we share a common goal—to take great care of the communities we serve,” Olm-Shipman said. “We also share many common challenges. I’m excited for the opportunity to work more closely with hospitals across the entire state, to be a vocal advocate at both the state and federal level for Kansas hospitals, and to do what I can to improve the health of Kansans.”

The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization established to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA includes 240 member facilities, including 122 full-service community hospitals. 
In looking to the year ahead, Olm-Shipman plans to focus on expanding access to health insurance coverage, including Medicaid expansion. This ensures tax dollars are kept within the state to provide more coverage options for Kansas residents.

He also plans to focus on the financial stability and sustainability of all Kansas hospitals, by serving as a voice for Kansans on policies at both the state and federal level.

“I know there is a lot of work ahead on these issues, but I look forward to tackling it alongside some really great colleagues and civil servants,” Olm-Shipman said. 

Olm-Shipman has been an active member of the Kansas Hospital Association and joined the KHA Board of Directors in 2018. He previously served as a member of the board’s executive committee, treasurer, and chair-elect. 

He served as 2018 Chairman of the Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, is a current board member of Management Services Corporation (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Missouri Hospital Association), a past member of the American Hospital Association’s Region 6 Policy Board, and is currently the inaugural Chair of the AHA’s LEAD (lead, engage, AHA-discovery) next-gen leadership development roundtable. 
Olm-Shipman has been with Saint Luke’s since 2003, serving as CEO of Saint Luke’s South Hospital since 2015 and CEO of Saint Luke’s South and East Region since 2019. 

“Bobby has a depth of experience in the hospital and health care industry, and we look forward to his leadership as he serves in this important role,” said Chad Austin, KHA President and CEO.    

Olm-Shipman’s term as board chair began Jan. 1, 2024.