President & CEO

Job Description:

Sunflower Foundation was incorporated in August 2000 as part of a $75 million settlement among Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the office of the Kansas Attorney General and the office of the Kansas State Insurance Commissioner. The agreement creating the Foundation resolved lawsuits between the parties concerning Blue Cross’ charitable assets from company operations from 1941 to 1969.

The Foundation is a statewide health philanthropy that provides grants and other support to nonprofits and public entities within the state of Kansas. It is classified as a 501 (c) (3) Supporting Organization with a mission to serve as a catalyst to improve the health and wellbeing of all Kansans. In 2022, the Foundation received a $4 million donation from Mackenzie Scott to continue the work they are doing to support Kansans.

Now, perhaps more than ever, the fast-changing landscape of health and health care represents an opportunity to transform policy and systems to improve lives and transform health outcomes. Through leadership, grant making, policy, evaluation, communications and private and public sector partnerships, the Foundation is engaging nonprofit partners, businesses, decision-makers, policymakers and leaders across the state and nation to ensure a future state where its communities promote health and its health care systems deliver excellent, affordable care to Kansans who both have and desire good health.

The founding President & CEO of the Foundation is retiring after a 23-year tenure, opening up an extremely rare opportunity to lead and partner with a remarkable group of talented, inquisitive, motivated and dedicated people at both the staff and board levels.  Staff and board co-create a supportive community for the Foundation’s grantees as well as for collaborative partners and one another.

The Foundation prides itself on being futurists, the ability to proactively identify gaps in the health care arena and leveraging its resources to impact and change systems. The organization has innovatively led and been in tune with the evolution of heath care operating ahead of the curve on multiple other issues including access to care in rural areas, funding the development of trails for exercising, Food as Medicine and the Clean Air initiative. The organization enjoys a strong reputation throughout the state.

The next President & CEO of the Foundation will have the opportunity to build upon this solid base and to truly make a difference in the health and well-being of residents in Kansas. As the leader of one of the very few health philanthropies in the state, the next leader will provide critical leadership in facilitating and voicing an understanding of the state’s health needs, particularly in the current climate of reduced government funding and involvement.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President & CEO is a visionary leader who partners with, helps to inspire and serves as the face of the organization to external funding partners, advocates, legislators, health providers and the general public.

He/ She/They will help to raise understanding and develop partnerships in support of the mission. This leader will administer the $83 million organization, providing executive management of board relations, strategic planning, grant making and program delivery, external collaboration, investments and finance and governmental affairs.

The Foundation seeks a dynamic individual who can work with a broad array of cutting-edge public and private agencies to continually improve and enhance community inclusion, support policy advancement, drive the mission and the organization forward to the next level.

Career experience and knowledge of national, state and local health philanthropy will be highly valued but is not a prerequisite. An understanding of health-related leadership with knowledge in health systems, including public health; behavioral health (integrated care); health safety net; food security; built environment; and nonprofit centers is desired.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. A master’s degree is preferred.  Demonstration of continuing professional education, accreditation in a professional field and board leadership will be expected.