Kansas City: A Hub of Health Tech Talent After Cerner
As we look around Kansas City, it’s hard not to notice the impressive ripple effects left behind by Cerner Corp. Now under the umbrella of Oracle Health, Cerner was once a dominant force in the health information technology landscape. Since its acquisition by Oracle for a whopping $28.3 billion in June 2022, the company has seen significant changes, including campus consolidations and workforce reductions. However, one thing remains clear: the legacy of Cerner is alive and well, as former employees are now putting their mark on the health tech world through startups and leadership roles.
A Legacy of Leadership
The Kansas City area continues to be a thriving ground for innovators, many of whom honed their skills and expertise while working at Cerner. Take Ashley Davidson, for example. After a remarkable two-decade journey at Cerner, where she served in various key marketing roles, she recently took on the role of Chief Marketing Officer at Black & Veatch. This engineering and construction firm is ranked second among Kansas City’s engineering firms and is thrilled to have such a seasoned professional on board.
In another corner of the health tech domain, Ben Hilmes has stepped into the role of CEO at Healthcare IT Leaders. With nearly 23 years at Cerner under his belt, he is excited to lead this Georgia-based company, which recently expanded into the metro area. Alongside him, two other former Cerner colleagues have joined him in this venture, strengthening their connection to the local tech scene.
Startups and Innovation
Speaking of ventures, Sal LoPorto, another former Cerner team member, co-founded SparkChange, a Kansas City startup that is making waves in helping health systems tackle revenue cycle challenges. Launched in 2019, the company has quickly grown to a team of 70, showcasing how former Cerner employees are creating robust solutions to complex problems.
Mike Valentine is also worth mentioning. After his significant tenure at Cerner, he now serves as CEO at Netsmart. Together with Tom Herzog, the COO, and Wendy Hill, the Chief People Officer, this trio of former Cerner executives is reinventing health care IT services to better support organizations and patients alike.
Continuing the Journey
Other noteworthy transitions include Chuck Schneider, who founded Redpoint Summit after his long tenure at Cerner, focusing his efforts on software that combats clinician burnout. John Thomson, meanwhile, stepped from Cerner to co-found PayIt, a tech firm aimed at simplifying payment processes between citizens and government entities.
With a rich pipeline of talent flowing from Cerner, Kansas City is buzzing with activity. The collective achievements of these former employees not only highlight their capabilities but also promise a bright future for the local tech ecosystem. Digital Health KC, an initiative founded by Dick Flanigan and Maria Flynn, is dedicated to bolstering the metro’s digital health landscape, showcasing the continued collaboration of Cerner alumni.
Conclusion
While Cerner’s physical presence in Kansas City may be tapering off, the impact of its legacy continues to thrive in the form of innovative startups and leadership within established companies. The health tech industry in this vibrant city is not merely surviving; it is evolving and expanding, driven by the talented individuals who once shaped Cerner’s journey. As we watch this trend unfold, one thing is for sure: Kansas City remains a pivotal player in health technology thanks to the brilliance and drive of its former Cerner stars.
