News

KidsTLC Announces New President & CEO

OLATHE, KS - April 15, 2014 - The KidsTLC Board of Directors has announced the selection of Gordon Docking as its new President & CEO.  He succeeds Dr. Robert Drummond, who is retiring in August after leading the organization for nearly thirteen years.  Docking will assume his new post at KidsTLC, effective July 7. KidsTLC is an organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children, adolescents and families who are facing challenges from autism, mental health or wellness issues.
 
Docking has held a number of prominent senior leadership positions in the community, including Chief Executive Officer roles at St. Joseph Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center, and has been committed to the health and wellbeing of children and youth for decades.  He co-founded First Downs for Down Syndrome in 1992, serves as President of the Olathe Special Olympics Booster Club and has been the Olathe Special Olympics swim coach for over twenty years. He views the CEO role at KidsTLC an outstanding opportunity to combine his passion for youth and families with a broad knowledge of healthcare.   
 
The KidsTLC Search Committee, assisted by executive search firm EFL Associates, conducted an extensive search process and interviewed “a slate of very diverse, high-quality candidates.” Board Chair Charles Warren said, “It was important to the Board of Directors that we identify a candidate who could build on the quality programs and innovative culture that have become hallmarks of KidsTLC.  Gordon’s understanding of healthcare dynamics combined with demonstrated leadership abilities make him an outstanding choice.  We look forward to his expertise and enthusiasm as we strive to serve the kids who need us most.”
 
Docking will join KidsTLC from Nueterra Healthcare, where he is serving as Senior Vice President of US Operations.  After obtaining a degree in journalism, Docking began his career in broadcasting, working as a sports anchor and reporter for WDAF TV in Kansas City before becoming a radio talk show host for the Chiefs Radio Network.  He transitioned into a career in healthcare in 1992, holding various leadership positions within the Carondelet Health System as well as within start-up healthcare organizations.  Docking commented, “Under the leadership of Dr. Bob Drummond, KidsTLC has been an outstanding resource for kids and families in the Olathe community and the Greater Kansas City region.  I’m honored to have been selected to play a part in its incredibly important mission.”
 
About KidsTLC
KidsTLC provides children with a continuum of care through innovative and successful psychiatric treatment, community outreach, outpatient behavioral health, autism and wellness programs. Services are focused on evidence-based therapies and trauma-informed care, with a strong emphasis on family wellness and preserving the family unit. KidsTLC continues to respond to the growing needs of children in the Kansas City Metro area by adding critically needed services that fill community gaps and alleviate wait times for families to receive care. Programs help children heal on all levels through innovative therapeutic treatment philosophies; chaplaincy services; expressive therapies such as art, play and music therapy; and through a wealth of opportunities to improve the physical health of clients including the movement towards integrating our mental health services with local health clinics that provide physical health services, increased nutrition/wellness education, and opportunities for physical exercise.
 
For more information about KidsTLC, visit our website www.kidstlc.org.