Centura Health Names Hospital CEO for Western Plains Medical Complex

March 25, 2022

Jeff Carrier will serve as regional CEO for three western Kansas hospitals

Centura Health, the region’s health care leader, is pleased to announce Jeff Carrier will serve as the Chief Executive Officer for Western Plains Medical Complex upon completion of the hospital acquisition from LifePoint Health, which is expected to be finalized later this year, pending standard regulatory review and approval.

On Feb. 1, Centura announced it signed an asset purchase agreement (APA) to acquire ownership interest in Western Plains Medical Complex (WPMC) in Dodge City, Kan. from LifePoint Health. 

“Jeff is an innovative health care leader who has a proven record of enhancing the overall quality and safety of patient care,” said Tom Gessel, Group President for Centura’s Greater Colorado and Kansas Operating Group. “His deep understanding of rural health care and his commitment to the community drives his strategic vision for how our hospitals care for the whole person – mind, body and spirit.”

Jeff will lead Centura’s three hospitals in western Kansas, including St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City and Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses. By integrating Western Plains Medical Complex into the connected ecosystem of hospitals, Jeff will lead a regional system offering patients across western Kansas new and expanded clinical care options.

“I grew up in rural Kansas and understand first-hand how important our hospitals are to the community,” Jeff said. “I am committed to growing our medical services and recruiting new providers to our region so our friends, family and neighbors can stay close to home when they need compassionate, highly-rated care.”

Prior to joining Centura, Jeff served in leadership roles with Freeman Health System in Joplin, Mo., and was responsible for the overall operations of patient care and nursing services for the 460-bed, three-hospital system with 300 physicians. Jeff received his Bachelor’s of Nursing from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe and his Master’s of Science in Management from Baker University.