The Southwest Medical Center Board of Trustees has announced the selection of Robert Whitaker as President
and CEO of the regional medical center.
Whitaker will rejoin the hospital’s administrative team after having served as Vice-President of Operations from
2015 to 2016. He has more than 16 years of experience working in leadership roles for critical access, acute care,
and large health system hospitals. Most recently, Whitaker served as CEO at Hamilton County Hospital in
Syracuse and Kiowa District Healthcare in Kiowa.
Whitaker earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and his Master of Business
Administration from the University of Houston. He also earned his Master of Public Health degree from Yale
University. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for eight years, obtaining a rank of E-5.
Robert, his wife Amy, and their five children have been Liberal residents since 2015.
“Robert has extensive experience in healthcare leadership, which will serve as a great asset for our patients,
providers, and the Liberal community,” SWMC Board Chair, Mark Schepers, said. “Our Board looks forward to
working with Robert and the hospital team to continue positive growth in quality and services for our patients.”
Whitaker will assume the role of President and CEO beginning March 1. He will join the current administrative
team of Chief Financial Officer, Amber Williams; Vice-President of Patient Care, Robin Allaman; Vice-
President of Operations, Mark Cowan; and Vice-President of Practice Management, Keeley Moree.
