Our Story
More than 60 years ago, the idea for a community hospital began with a grassroots effort and a two-day chili event that raised $1,000. The event sparked community interest, and additional construction funds poured in. Those seeds of change gave way to open North Kansas City Hospital, which today stands as the Northland’s preferred healthcare provider.
Over the years our community has always been our biggest champion and there is no greater example of that than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, local companies and grateful patients donated in appreciation of the quality care provided by NKCH physicians and staff.
Now, as our organization looks to the future, we are excited to spark that community spirit once again as we start NKCH’s first Philanthropy Department.
Together, we will transform patient care in the Northland, allowing us to expand programs, purchase state-of-the-art technologies and equipment, and save more lives.
About Us
The Philanthropy Department partners with grateful patients, their loved ones and the community to help move the mission of North Kansas City Hospital forward.
Advisory Council
- Jo Stueve, Retired, Children’s Mercy Hospital (Philanthropy Advisory Council Chair)
- Judy Chastain, Community Volunteer
- Dan Devers, Retired, Cerner Corporation
- Patty Garney, Community Volunteer
- Douglas Ham, DO, Midwest Emergency Medical Services, PC
- Kayla McCrite Hoffman, McCrite Plaza
- Karen Hogan, Turner Construction Company
- Robert Magee, Retired Pastor
- Brian Mertz, Creekside Parkville
- Tony Reinhart, Ford Motor Company
- Aaron Schmidt, Hunt Midwest
- Candi Sweeney, Reece and Nichols
- Steven Starr, MD, Meritas Health Cardiology
Our Team
Courtney Johanning
Chief Development Officer
courtney.johanning@nkch.org
816.691.1777
Jen Poppe
Philanthropy Director
jen.poppe@nkch.org
816.691.1190
Kerri Severns
Operations Director
kerri.severns@nkch.org
816.691.1160
Megan Strzelecki
Philanthropy Coordinator
megan.strzelecki@nkch.org
816.691.1445