Talbott named president at Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg
Drew Talbott named hospital president at Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has selected Drew Talbot as its hospital president, a role in which he had been serving on an interim basis since November 2020.
Talbott, who joined Ascension Via Christi in 1996, previously served for 13 years as the hospital’s chief operating officer and prior to that for 11 years as its director of Information Systems.
“Drew brings a wealth of knowledge to this role,” said Kevin Strecker, Ascension Via Christi’s chief operating officer. “During his more than two decades of service to our Mission and the communities we serve in southeast Kansas, he has created strong relationships with the medical staff and our other community partners. I am confident that under his leadership the hospital, outpatient clinics and satellite
Emergency Department in Fort Scott will continue to provide the high-quality, close-to-home care the community needs and deserves.”
Talbott received a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University and a master’s degree from Southwest Baptist University.
“Sister Bernard Sheridan came to Pittsburg, Kansas, 118 years ago to start this healing ministry with her faith and $5,” Talbott said. “She led with a personal motto: ‘we should do all we can, for all that we can, for as long as we can.’”
“Over the past 25 years, I have enjoyed the opportunity to witness our doctors, caregivers, and support staff live out this mission. Maybe never more passionately than during the COVID -19 pandemic. I look forward to continuing to support this great team in our mission of caring for those most vulnerable.”
Tawny Sandifer, RN, who has served as VP Nursing at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for 5 years, will take on the added responsibilities of VP Operations. Sandifer was instrumental in the planning and opening of a free-standing Emergency Department in Fort Scott when Mercy announced its plans to close the hospital in 2018.