Phil Buttell, JD, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer

Phil Buttell has served as Chief Executive Officer at Menorah Medical Center since June of 2019 with a passion for collaborating with physicians and employees to ensure high-quality healthcare is a fundamental part of our community. Phil utilizes his role at Menorah Medical Center to improve the overall health and well-being of the community with an enthusiasm for maximizing patient experience and quality clinical care. Prior to joining the Menorah Medical Center team, Phil served as the Chief Operating Officer at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri for 10 years where he played an instrumental role in the operations, growth and development of the 285-bed hospital and Level Two Trauma Center. Phil received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rockhurst University, a Master of Health Services Administration degree from the University of Kansas, School of Medicine and a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas, School of Law.

Debbie Gafford, Chief Financial Officer

Debbie has been with Menorah Medical Center for more than 20 years in her current role of Chief Financial Officer. She is proud to have witnessed the growth and success of Menorah after the move to the current Overland Park location in 1996. Debbie is graduate of the University of Kansas. She started her career in public accounting before committing to the healthcare field.

Joseph Reuben, MD, MBA, FACEP

Dr. Reuben is the Chief Medical Officer at Menorah Medical Center. In this role he strives to improve clinical quality and efficiency, patient safety and experience, health equity, physician and patient advocacy. He is part of numerous teams that support, collaborate, educate, and inspires physician, nurses, and community to improve health care and enhance lives.

Dr. Reuben is a graduate and holds an MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He received his medical degrees from University of Missouri-Columbia. 

Katie Bruels, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer

A nurse for almost two decades, Katie Bruels has served her hospitals in a variety of different roles throughout her nursing career, in trauma centers, ERs, ICUs, and many other capacities. As the Chief Nursing Officer at Menorah Medical Center, she leads provides leadership for more than 600 nurses providing care to the many needs of their community. Katie graduated from Graceland University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2018.

Ashley Garcia, BSN, RN, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer

Ashley started her career at Menorah Medical Center as a new graduate nurse in 2014 and has served in many leadership positions. As a nursing leader, Ashley has the ability to influence positive change, streamline processes, and maximize nursing talent through growth and development. She is passionate about retaining, supporting and growing nurses, allowing them to become whatever they want to be. She works alongside the Chief Nursing Officer in providing support to the nursing team and the nursing leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Capella University and is in the process of earning a Masters of Science in Nursing with a focus on Healthcare Administration and Leadership.

Jay Blumhorst, Vice President, Human Resources

Jay Blumhorst is the Vice President of Human Resources at Menorah Medical Center. With more than 20 years in human resources and operations management experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. Jay is passionate about mentoring, consultation, and development of talent initiatives in support of our colleagues.

Jay is originally from Missouri and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Missouri. He is a recent participant in HCA’s Human Resources Leadership Development Program.

Molly Teichman, Vice President, Operations

Molly has enjoyed the hospital and clinical setting since beginning as a patient access clerk over 25 years and serves Menorah currently as the VP of Operations. In her role she is responsible for continuity of care in support of our ancillary services (anything non-nursing) as well as growing our service lines to respond to community need. She also services as the facility Co-Ethics and Compliance Officer.

Board of Trustees

  • Aakash Shah, MD Kansas City Joint Replacement & Sports Medicine
  • Aimee Baird, MD Encompass Medical Group
  • Chris Goode, Ruby Jean's Juicery
  • Chuck Searle, Chairman of the Board VMLY&R
  • Drew Komenda Rx Savings Solutions
  • Gene Meyer Executive in Residence at the University of Kansas Health Services Administration Department
  • Keith Zimmerman, HCA Midwest Health
  • Phil Buttell, Secretary Menorah Medical Center
  • Mary O’Connell Rouse, Frets, White, Goss, Gentile, Rhodes, P.C.
  • Marcia Karbank Community Member
  • Michelle Homan, DO Menorah Pulmonary and Critical Care Consultants
  • Vishal Chandra, MD Anesthesia Associates of Kansas City