John W.

“Service has meant giving more than receiving in return. Often times anonymously, but knowing that a benefit has been received and appreciated. Service is about creating a better common good.”

John’s entire career has been devoted to service, including 15 years as chief executive officer at Truman Medical Center. He says his most meaningful contributions during his tenure there were creating a “can-do” mentality and quality of service and care for the community, creating a culture of health and learning among staff and their families, and implementing major capital outlays for Radiology, Cardiology, Chemo Therapy, Emergency Medicine, the Birthing Center and Mental Health. He now heads The Bluford Healthcare Leadership Institute in Kansas City, MO. His volunteer work includes serving on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Greater KC, Sigma Pi Phi fraternity, the KC Jazz Walk of Fame and numerous other local and national boards of directors, including three historically-black colleges and universities. John says he is particularly proud of the role he played in leading “issue based funding” in two different community United Ways, changing the funding currency from “agencies” to needed community benefits.