Newsworthy

The Stormont Vail Health Board of Directors announced Thursday that Mark F. Slyter, DSc, FACHE, a Kansas native and longtime healthcare executive, will be the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Stormont Vail Health. Most recently, Mr. Slyter has been President and CEO of Dignity Health (DH) Arizona East Valley Market in the Greater Phoenix area.

“We are pleased to have someone of Mark Slyter’s caliber join Stormont Vail and to lead the organization as a regional and national healthcare leader into the next decade,” said Mark Ruelle, Chair of the Stormont Vail Board. “Mark Slyter is uniquely qualified to guide the organization with his extensive healthcare leadership background.”

The Board of Directors began a national search for a new CEO last year with the announcement of the May 2025 retirement of President and CEO Dr. Rob Kenagy. A number of highly qualified candidates, both internal and external, were identified and considered during the extensive search. Stormont Vail Health is an independent, non-profit community healthcare system that primarily serves patients and communities in a 15-county area. The organization has more than 5,700 team members, which includes 500 employed physicians and advance practice providers.

“I am honored and excited to join the Stormont Vail team,” said Mr. Slyter. “I look forward to championing and enhancing Stormont Vail’s culture of excellence and its position as a regional and national leader in healthcare.”

As President and CEO of Dignity Health (DH) Arizona East Valley Market, Mr. Slyter oversaw two academic medical centers in Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert, two specialty hospitals, two rehabilitation hospitals and two smaller acute care facilities with a combined 1,000-plus beds, as well as outpatient services.

In addition to being a leader at Dignity Health East Valley Market in Arizona since 2017, Mr. Slyter was President and CEO of Baton Rouge (La.) General Health System from 2013 to 2016, and President and CEO of Mississippi Baptist Health System, Jackson, Miss., from 2011 to 2013, where he also had served as Chief Operating Officer from 2009 to 2011. In addition, he held leadership roles at healthcare systems in Jacksonville, Fla., and Greenville, S.C.

A native of Augusta, Kan., Mr. Slyter received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Kansas. He also holds a Doctorate of Health Services Administration from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. He and his wife, Lisa, have three children, ages 10 to 16.

“Stormont Vail has an amazing team whose members together provide the best in care and compassion for our patients and communities. Mark Slyter’s experience in leading and coaching teams to greatness
bodes well for the future of the organization,” said Dr. Rob Kenagy, President and CEO. “The board was diligent in following a robust process and I have the highest regard for the candidates who were intensively considered.”

Dr. Kenagy has served as President and CEO since 2019, and prior to that was Chief Medical Officer of the organization.

“Stormont Vail and northeast Kansas have been fortunate to have had a leader of Dr. Kenagy’s capability, character, and passion leading our region’s largest health system,” said Mark Ruelle, Board chairman. He noted that Dr. Kenagy successfully led the organization through the challenges of the pandemic while remaining strong and with exceptional growth; took over hospital and clinic operations in Junction City to retain healthcare services in Geary County through Stormont Vail’s Flint Hills Campus; and opened a comprehensive primary and specialty medical campus in Manhattan. “Dr. Kenagy’s leadership has assured patients in eastern Kansas that they have excellent medical care close to home.”