It's Your Business has Jessica Kieffer, Michael Lesser, Amy Kincade and Carol Perry

Hires

Stormont Vail Health announced that Jessica Kieffer, an OB/GYN specializing in reproductive medicine and pregnancy care, is joining the Stormont Vail Women's Services team. Kieffer delivers various women's health services in the Stormont Vail OB/GYN-Lincoln Center, 800 S.W. Lincoln St., in Topeka. A lifelong Kansan, Kieffer lived in Mayetta before relocating to pursue her medical career. After obtaining her bachelor's in organismal biology at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, she completed her first two years of medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City. Kieffer completed her remaining two years of medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. She initially began her residency training in family medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita at Wesley Hospital, where she discovered her passion for women's health and transitioned to OB/GYN residency in her third year. "I've gone through the uncertainty of an unplanned induction, protracted labor resulting in an emergency C-section, and suffered some trauma from the process," Kieffer said, "It's absolutely changed the way I care for people. It's impacted how I counsel patients and prepare them in the office for potential outcomes."

Kansas Fencing Inc. announced that Michael Lesser has joined the company as their new president. In this role, Lesser will lead the company's strategic initiatives and continue its legacy of excellence in the fencing industry. Dirk Henderson will assume the role of CEO and continue to lead the organization. Kansas Fencing, owned by Dirk and Julie Henderson, has been serving the community for more than 20 years with a commitment to quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Lesser brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role. Lesser's career is marked by his dedication and commitment to serving his customers and the community. "I am honored to join the team at Kansas Fencing, Inc. and excited to continue advancing the company's reputation of quality and service while exploring new opportunities," said Lesser. A native of Topeka, Lesser joined Peoples Insurance Group in 2001 as an agency manager, becoming the managing partner in 2009. In 2014, he took a significant step by purchasing the agency, leading to the formation of Peoples Insurance Group. Lesser is engaged in community service and leadership roles. He serves on the board of directors for SLI and Compassionate Strategies. Lesser earlier was a member of the Seaman Unified School District 345 Board of Education and the District 9 councilman of Topeka City Council.

Endeavor Private Wealth announced that Cheryl Wright Kunard is the new executive assistant for the company. Kunard most recently held the role of executive director at Keep America Beautiful-Topeka/Shawnee County, where leading through a transition she spearheaded the update of policies, practices, and procedures to best practice standards for nonprofit organizations. She earlier was the assistant to former District Attorney Charles E. Branson in Lawrence, directing all aspects of human resources and office administration. Kunard graduated from Friends University with a bachelor of science degree in human resources management. She has the designations of senior certified professional with the Society of Human Resource Management and certified public manager from the University of Kansas.

Promotion

Amy Kincade is being promoted to senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Stormont Vail Health. Kincade has more than 25 years of clinical experience and seven years of senior health care leadership as a member of the Stormont Vail Operating Committee, most recently as vice president, clinical integration. Prior to becoming a nurse executive, Kincade was administrative director, continuum of care; director of cardiac cath, electrophysiology labs and interventional radiology, and worked as an RN in procedural and acute care areas. Kincade has been a team member at Stormont Vail since 1991. Kincade has a master of business administration and a bachelor of science in nursing from Baker University. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Momentum 2027 Executive Committee, the Public Health Technical Advisory Board, Midland Board of Directors, and she has been active in numerous community organizations. “Amy will bring a new level of excellence and innovative practices making Stormont Vail Health the best place to train and practice in the nursing profession," said Rob Kenagy, president and chief executive officer. "I’m excited about the future of the nursing profession across the region with Amy Kincade leading the way.” Salena Gilliam will become vice president, assistant chief nursing officer. Service line administrative directors will have matrix reporting to Angie Gamber, vice president, clinical operations, and Gillam.

Retirement

Stormont Vail Health announces that longtime senior vice president and chief nursing officer Carol Perry plans to retire from her post on May 3. “Carol is an amazing senior executive and nursing leader at Stormont Vail, starting as a student nurse and working her way up through the nursing and leadership ranks. She is an experienced and accomplished executive and an indispensable part of our senior executive team,” said Rob Kenagy, president and chief executive officer. “There is no person more closely identified with our organization than Carol Perry.” Perry joined the organization in 1980, and has been the chief nursing officer since 2001. Additionally, she has held the roles of director of case management/performance improvement and hospitalist program, director of maternal/child service line and worked for 14 years as a registered nurse in the Birthplace. Under Perry’s guidance, Stormont Vail Health has received the American Nursing Credentialing Center’s Magnet Award four times, beginning in 2009. Magnet is a nationally recognized designation for nursing excellence. Perry has mentored many individuals as they consider nursing careers and supported shared governance and other programs to support professional nursing as a means to provide the best in care to patients. “I love Stormont Vail and have been so fortunate to have a nursing career in the community where I grew up,” Perry said. “I have always had a love for nursing and am privileged to work alongside nurses and others in the health care profession who have a deep commitment to providing the best of care and compassion.”

Boards

TARC Inc. announces the election of new board members to TARC’s Operating Board and Foundation Board. TARC Board of Directors has elected two new directors for 2024-2025: Alison Pollock, assistant vice president and senior counsel for Security Benefit, and Benton McGivern, a medical doctor at Stormont Vail Hospital. TARC Foundation Board has elected one new trustee: Ryan Branam, who is the parts and service director at Lewis Automotive Group.

Topeka-area hirings, promotions, retirements and other announcements can be emailed to iyb@cjonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: It's Your Business has Stormont Vail Health, Kansas Fencing and TARC