Дэнни Ван Ранкен назначен новым генеральным директором регионального медицинского центра в Kearney

New Chief Executive Officer of Kearney Regional Medical Center announced KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - Kearney Regional Medical Center has selected Danny Van Ranken as its next chief executive officer, hospital officials announced Wednesday. Van Ranken’s appointment will officially begin on Sept. 6. He will succeed Dr. Scott Smith, who has served as interim CEO since February. Bryan Health President and CEO Russ Gronewold praised the selection, noting Van Ranken’s extensive experience and deep connections to the local community. “Danny will be an outstanding leader for Kearney Regional Medical Center,” Gronewold said. “While his organizational expertise will strengthen daily operations, it’s his passion for improving the communities we serve that will create lasting benefits for central Nebraska and the Kearney community.” Van Ranken, who has spent over a decade with the medical center, emphasized his commitment to expanding high-quality care across the region. “I think to be able to continue to be able to serve not only the physicians in Kearney and Central and Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas, but the communities, the patients that we serve and obviously the employees,” Van Ranken said. “Continuing to grow Bryan Health and Kearney Regionals is the preferred destination to receive high-quality care across the state.” Van Ranken began his healthcare career as a respiratory therapist at Bryan Medical Center in 2001 before joining KRMC in 2014 as its first respiratory therapy manager. Over the past 12 years, he has steadily advanced through several leadership roles, serving as director of procedural services and corporate compliance officer in 2019, vice president of clinical and support services in 2022, and chief operating officer in 2024. During his tenure, Van Ranken oversaw more than $80 million in major clinic and hospital expansion projects over the last five years. These developments included the physical expansion of Kearney Regional Medical Center, the construction of the Kearney Cancer Center, and the development of Oak Park, KRMC’s north Kearney ambulatory site. “In many ways, we’ve watched Danny grow professionally alongside KRMC,” Dr. Smith said. ”He placed his trust in us as we opened a brand-new hospital and embraced every opportunity that followed, excelling every step of the way.” Van Ranken completed two associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and a Master of Business Administration while working full-time. Click here to subscribe to our KSNB Local4 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox. Copyright 2026 KSNB. All rights reserved.