Heartland Health Services has named Dr. Keith Knepp as its next chief medical officer. He will assume his new role in August.
“Dr. Knepp brings a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape in central Illinois and a strong commitment to equity and service,” Heartland chief executive officer Dewitt Harrell said in a statement. “His values align closely with Heartland’s mission, and we are thrilled that he has chosen to continue serving our community through this role. We look forward to the expertise and leadership he will bring to our team.”
Knepp currently serves as Carle Health’s President Greater Peoria. He will remain in his role over the coming months.
“We are grateful to Dr. Knepp for his leadership and the way he has been an advocate for this region, our teams and our patients,” Carle Health chief operating officer Matthew Kolb said in a statement. “We have a great team in Peoria who deliver outstanding care every day. We will continue to support our teams and ensure uninterrupted, high-quality care for the patients and community.”
Throughout his career in the greater Peoria area, Knepp has contributed to initiatives that advance coordinated, community-centered care and promote overall well-being. Heartland’s statement said his leadership has supported progress in several key areas, including:
• Advancing innovative care delivery models that expand access and strengthen connections between primary care, behavioral health, and specialty services.
• Promoting high-quality, team-based care that empowers clinical staff and enhances patient experience.
• Encouraging collaboration that supports public health initiatives, community outreach, and health equity efforts.
In his new role, Knepp will provide clinical leadership and services that support Heartland’s mission to deliver health care to underserved populations across Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.
Both Heartland Health Services and Carle Health underscored their shared commitment to collaboration and to strengthening care delivery across the Peoria area. The two organizations have long worked together to support patients, families and communities. A Heartland spokesperson said the partnership will remain a priority moving forward.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Carle Health leader taking new role with Heartland Health in Peoria
Reporting by Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
