LMH Health selects Ron Baker to join leadership team

Ron Baker, FACHE, CMPE, has been selected as the new Senior Vice President of Operations and Clinic Enterprise for LMH Health.

Baker has over 25 years of healthcare management and leadership experience. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kansas and a Masters of Health Administration from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Prior to coming to LMH Health, he served as Vice President of Physician Services for Advent Health in Overland Park.

In his new role, Baker will oversee the Clinic Enterprise, which supports more than 160 physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs) and other clinicians across the health system. LMH has hired or contracted with 36 new physicians and APPs in 2024 in areas including primary care, orthopedics, gastroenterology and rheumatology.

“Ron brings significant experience working with physicians to expand programs and enhance clinic operations and he has first-hand knowledge about delivering healthcare in our region,” said Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO. “He is the right person to lead our Clinic Enterprise as we continue to grow. I am excited to welcome him to the organization and I’m confident his leadership will strengthen our organization for years to come.”

In February 2024, LMH Health unveiled Destination Health 2.0. This updated strategic plan guides the health system in fulfilling its purpose – a partner for lifelong health. Baker will play a key role in supporting two of the plan’s imperatives - workforce excellence and physician and provider engagement.

“LMH Health has an outstanding medical staff and great medical staff leadership,” Johnson said. “We are committed to supporting them and ensuring that our clinicians and management team work together to improve patient care, allocate resources and invest in technologies to improve equity, access, efficiency and safety.”

Dr. Ashley Bloom, a physician at LMH Health Primary Care – East Heights and chair of the Clinic Operating Board – the physician-led governing body that oversees the Clinic Enterprise, looks forward to working with Baker and strengthening growth in the organization’s ambulatory clinics.

“I was impressed with Ron’s experience working in non-profit health systems in the regional market,” she said. “Incorporating his experience and connections will be huge assets for recruitment and retention, strategy and relationship building, and maintaining LMH Health’s mission and goal of remaining an independent community hospital.”

During the interview process, Baker commented that he is committed to being a hands-on leader, interacting with and leading physicians. That resonated with Dr. Jodie Barr, an oncologist with the LMH Health Cancer Center and chair of the quality committee of the Clinic Operating Board.

“Ron wants to talk with staff, know what the issues are and find ways to solve them,” she said. “He’ll be able to think outside the box and focus on the needs of the institution. I’m excited about his vision and where he sees LMH Health going in the next 10-15 years.”

Baker is ready to take on the challenge.

“I’ve always been impressed with the way LMH Health focuses on providing the highest quality care, service and the commitment to remaining an independent community hospital. It’s provided residents in Lawrence and the surrounding area with no reason to go anywhere else for care,” he said. “The community’s support of LMH is tremendous. I look forward to working with and getting to know each and every physician, provider and staff member.”