Children’s Mercy names interim leader for Springfield pediatric operation at Mercy

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Kansas City-based Children’s Mercy has named an interim leader to oversee its pediatric operational partnership with Mercy Springfield Communities.

Debbie Schwartzkopf was appointed as interim chief administrative officer to lead the partnership effort, according to a news release issued this morning. The health systems in August formalized their pediatric partnership announced last year and announced that Children's Mercy would assume management of Mercy Springfield Communities’ pediatric care with a Nov. 1 effective date. 

“Debbie’s collaborative spirit and strategic insight make her the ideal leader to guide this exciting new chapter,” said John Myers, president of Mercy Springfield Communities, in the release. "Her deep understanding of pediatric care and her commitment to partnership will help us build a system that delivers exceptional care to children and families across southwest Missouri."

A 30-year employee of Children's Mercy, Schwartzkopf started in the interim leadership role in August, said Lisa Augustine, senior manager of media relations for Children’s Mercy. Schwartzkopf remains a Children's Mercy employee in the interim chief administrative officer role, Augustine said, noting she is working out of Springfield "several days each week."

The goal is to eventually appoint a permanent chief administrative officer over the partnership, though a timeline has not been set, Augustine said.

A nurse and health care leader at Children's Mercy, Schwartzkopf has worked in the health system's neonatal intensive care nursery, fetal health center, quality and safety department, and ambulatory services.

“I’m honored and energized to lead our shared vision forward, advancing patient care for families in Springfield and beyond,” Schwartzkopf said in the release. “Together, we’re not just improving health care; we’re shaping a future that will transform the lives of families who will now know that world-class pediatric care is available right in their own community."