ST. LOUIS – Seasoned health care leader to drive growth and create greater access to specialty pediatric care for children with medical complexities and their families.
Following a national search, Shawn Dryden has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Ranken Jordan specializes in caring for children with complicated medical diagnoses and their families – helping them transition from hospital to home. Dryden starts in the position Jan. 1, 2023.
The hospital’s board of directors initiated the search this summer following the resignation of then president and CEO Brett Moorehouse.
“The decision to move forward with Shawn was unanimous. Not only does he have a passion and understanding of our unique patient population, but he is a great cultural fit,” said Betsy Prosperi, Chair of Ranken Jordan’s Board of Directors. “Shawn brings nearly 20 years of health care administration experience, inclusive of leadership positions with both BJC HealthCare and SSM Health. Over the last 8 years, he has focused on creating programs that support children with medical complexities and their families. He’s witnessed firsthand the gaps and challenges.”
Dryden currently oversees strategic growth and operational performance for SSM Health Cardinal Glennon’s specialty and primary care outpatient services and SSM Health’s maternal fetal medicine program.
He was instrumental in the launch of Cardinal Glennon’s Complex Medical Care program, which provides outpatient-based, comprehensive care coordination that addresses the entire continuum of clinical and community care needs of patients and their families. In addition, Dryden helped shape and develop STARS (Special needs Tracking Awareness Response System). STARS is the first program of its kind in the country designed to improve emergency care for children with medical complexities. The program trains EMS personnel on emergency care plans tailored to a child’s unique needs so that when an emergency arises upon discharge from the hospital, EMS teams are prepared to provide the very best patient care.
“I am honored and thrilled to be joining the team at Ranken Jordan,” said Dryden. “It is an impressive organization that has a rich history of caring for children with medical complexity and supporting their families. I understand the unique challenges that these children and their families face and see opportunities where Ranken Jordan can play an even larger role in supporting them, including partnering with the other excellent pediatric organizations in the region.”
Dryden and the board will work closely together in the new year to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
