Great Bend Leadership Transition

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The University of Kansas Health System announced today an upcoming leadership transition at its Great Bend Campus. Effective Jan. 1, 2027, John Worden, currently chief executive officer of the Great Bend Campus, will become CEO of the St. Francis Campus in Topeka.

Worden will succeed Scott Campbell, who announced his retirement earlier this fall and will step down at the end of 2026.

"Serving the Great Bend community and working alongside the dedicated people of this campus have been incredible honors," Worden said. "I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I have tremendous confidence in the team and the future of this hospital. Great Bend will always hold a special place for me."

John Worden

Worden will continue leading the Great Bend Campus through the end of the year to support a smooth transition.

On Jan. 1, Bob Copple, currently ambulatory business director for the Great Bend Campus, will become interim CEO.

Bob Copple

Copple brings extensive healthcare leadership experience to the position. A native of Kansas, he most recently served as president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan from 2016 to 2025. Previously, he held several executive leadership positions with CHI Health, now CommonSpirit, in Omaha, Nebraska, from 2006 to 2016.

The leadership transition reflects the health system's continued commitment to supporting exceptional care delivery in rural communities.