Jason Hooper

Jason Hooper, President and CEO of KVC Health Systems, has named Robert (Bobby) Eklofe, MHSA, as President of KVC Hospitals. Eklofe was previously Vice President of Behavioral Health Operations and has been with the organization for 30 years.

Ryan Speier, previous President of KVC Hospitals, will be with KVC through July 1 to ensure a smooth leadership change before he transitions to other opportunities. Speier has been with the organization for 13 years, making important contributions such as helping to expand KVC Hospitals’ children’s psychiatric treatment to new locations in Kansas and Missouri.

KVC Hospitals is a nonprofit network of children’s psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers in Kansas. Each year, KVC Hospitals serves thousands of youth between ages 6 to 18 who are experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, the impacts of childhood trauma, and other behavioral and mental health needs in Kansas City, Wichita, Hays, and through sister organization KVC Niles in Kansas City, Missouri. Parents or organizations can refer children for psychiatric treatment or learn more by calling KVC Hospitals at (913) 890-7468.

“I am tremendously excited about the appointment of Bobby Eklofe, a world-class leader of behavioral health and psychiatric treatment for children,” said Hooper. “At KVC, we believe in growing our leaders from within whenever possible, leaders who embody our values, demonstrate character built on authenticity and compassion, and put people first in every decision. Bobby is exactly that leader.

We are also aware of the impact that the coronavirus COVID-19 stress is having on the mental and physical health of thousands of children and adults in our region. KVC Hospitals stands ready to help any child experiencing a mental health emergency so families can have hope, healing and long-term wellness.”

Eklofe earned a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He participates in many local and state committees in Kansas to advocate for community behavioral health needs and is a longtime member of Kiwanis.

Throughout his 30-year career in behavioral health, Eklofe has gained experience working in residential services, psychiatric hospitals, social services and school settings. He has held positions in direct patient care, human resources, training, staff development, hospital administration and executive leadership. In his previous role, he led program and administrative operations including oversight of risk management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, program and staff development, business practices and facility operations.

Bobby Eklofe, MHSA

Most notably, Eklofe led the successful opening of KVC Hospitals Wichita in mid-2019. This new 54-bed acute hospital met an urgent and unmet need in the Wichita area for children in crisis. He also provides leadership to KVC Hospitals Kansas City with both acute and residential treatment, KVC Hospitals Hays which recently transitioned to an all-residential treatment center, and KVC Niles which provides residential and day treatment. Visit this blog to get to know Bobby and read more about his career, achievements and vision for the future of mental health treatment.

“There is no better job and fulfillment than to have the opportunity to work for families and children and support them through life’s ups and downs,” said Eklofe. “You can’t replace that. Once you get a taste of it, you want to continue that feeling of knowing you’re helping others and investing in their futures. I am joined by a passionate, multi-disciplinary team of professionals that is here to serve families and children with compassion.”

KVC is accredited by The Joint Commission and partners with a diverse array of organizations serving children and families — including Sesame Street in Communities, public school districts and other healthcare organizations. Learn more at www.kvchospitals.org and follow us on Facebook at KVC Hospitals.

Community members who are passionate about children’s mental health and suicide prevention are encouraged to get involved by volunteering with or donating to KVC Hospitals.

For media inquiries, contact Blythe Hinderliter, Director of Marketing & Communications, at (913) 444-2080 or bhinderliter@kvc.org.