Danny Van Ranken has been selected as Kearney Regional Medical Center’s (KRMC) next chief executive officer. He will begin service on Sept. 6, 2026 and succeeds Dr. Scott Smith, who’s served as interim CEO since February.
“Danny will be an outstanding leader for Kearney Regional Medical Center,” said Russ Gronewold, president and chief executive officer, Bryan Health. “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 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.
Since then, he’s steadily advanced through a series of leadership roles, including 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 career, Van Ranken has taken on increasing clinical and operational responsibilities, including the oversight of more than $80 million in clinic and hospital expansion projects over the last five years. These initiatives include the recent expansion of Kearney Regional Medical Center, construction and opening of the Kearney Cancer Center and development of Oak Park, KRMC’s ambulatory site in north Kearney. Van Ranken has also worked closely with clinical and operational leaders to achieve some of Nebraska’s highest patient satisfaction scores and earn national recognition for quality and safety.
“In many ways, we’ve watched Danny grow professionally alongside KRMC. 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,” said Dr. Scott Smith, interim chief executive officer, Kearney Regional Medical Center. “His experience in our physician-led hospital and appreciation for Bryan Health’s unique position as a Nebraska-owned and governed health system will serve KRMC and Bryan well moving forward.”
Van Ranken exemplifies the determination, hard work and resilience that defines the region. He earned two associate degrees before completing his bachelor’s degree and master of business administration, all while working fulltime and caring for patients.
Van Ranken’s clinical and executive leadership experience make him an ideal choice to lead Bryan Health’s second largest medical center as KRMC continues as a preferred destination for patients throughout central Nebraska and northern Kansas.
“Leading a dynamic organization like Kearney Regional Medical Center requires commitment, a deep understanding of the complexities of healthcare in a frontier region and proven leadership experience,” said Elizabeth Wise, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Bryan Health.
