Newton Medical Center has named current chief executive officer Vallerie L. Gleason as president and chief executive officer, effective Sept. 22, 2016.
Gleason succeeds Steven G. Kelly, who has led the hospital for the past 16 years. She has served as CEO since March 2016, responsible for day-to-day hospital operations, including the recent launch of the hospital’s telemedicine program and opening of the new walk-in clinic. Gleason will now assume the additional leadership responsibilities of strategic planning, physician relations, business development, governmental issues and others. Upon completion of the leadership transition, Kelly will continue to serve the hospital in a consultative role.
“Steve has done an exceptional job leading Newton Medical Center to become one of the state’s premier rural hospitals,” said Ray Penner, Chair, Newton Medical Center board of directors. “Under his leadership, the hospital has significantly expanded its footprint. During Steve’s tenure the hospital has more than tripled net revenues, doubled the number of employees, expanded the hospital’s physical plant at least six times, built a surgery center building, and added primary care and specialty clinics in and around Newton.”
Gleason has been part of Newton Medical Center’s leadership team since 2004. Prior to becoming CEO, she served as the hospital’s chief clinical integration officer, where she oversaw most clinical departments as well as medical staff support services and materials management.
“Val is a proven healthcare leader,” said Penner. “Over the past several months since becoming CEO, she has worked side-by-side with Steve to ensure a strong continuity of cohesive leadership. She is uniquely positioned to take our hospital to the next level and I look forward to our continued success.”
A graduate of Newman University, Gleason holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master of Business Administration degree from Baker University.
Gleason’s community and professional leadership involvement encompasses Asbury Park, the Kansas Hospital Association, Newman University’s Business Advisory Board, and KidPower, Inc. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at Friends University since 2006. She is also a member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, where she actively volunteers.
About Newton Medical Center:
Newton Medical Center is a 103-bed hospital in Newton, Kan., providing comprehensive medical care to those in Harvey and surrounding counties. Services and specialties include emergency medicine, surgical services, occupational medicine, home health and more. The hospital, which also includes 12 primary care and specialty clinics, is conveniently located at the intersection of I-135 and Highway 50. For more information, call (316) 283-2700 or visit newtonmed.com.
