Published on August 10, 2026
Phelps Health President and CEO Jason Shenefield has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of “240 Community Hospital CEOs to Know” for 2026.
Becker’s Healthcare developed the annual list based on nominations and editorial research. Becker’s describes the leaders recognized as community stewards, strategic visionaries and patient advocates who are focused on advancing healthcare, strengthening their organizations and improving the health of the communities they serve.
Shenefield has served as president and CEO of Phelps Health for 5 years. He joined Phelps Health in 2016 as chief operating officer.
During his tenure, he has led initiatives focused on clinical excellence, strategic growth and organizational culture. Under his leadership, Phelps Health launched a 24/7 STEMI program to treat the most severe type of heart attack. The program earned Primary Heart Attack Center certification from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. He also oversaw the opening of a comprehensive Weight Loss and Bariatric Center offering surgical and nonsurgical services.
Shenefield has also led strategic initiatives to expand access, including Phelps Health’s participation in an accountable care organization, the launch of a direct-to-employer health plan and Medicare Advantage plan, and efforts to secure state appropriations for emergency services.
Shenefield has helped guide a cultural transformation at Phelps Health that includes an employee advisory council, wellness committee, annual innovation summit and CARES employee recognition platform, which has generated more than 37,000 employee nominations.
Under his leadership, Phelps Health has experienced double-digit growth in key service areas, improved patient experience scores and stronger financial performance. The health system has also been named to Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers by State” list for 3 consecutive years, from 2023 through 2025.
Before joining Phelps Health, Shenefield began his healthcare career as a Navy hospital corpsman, earning the Navy Achievement Medal for his work in a clinic serving nearly 100,000 patients annually. He later held leadership positions at healthcare organizations near Chicago and in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Shenefield serves on the American Hospital Association’s regional policy board and the Missouri Hospital Association’s board of trustees.
Becker’s Healthcare notes that its 2026 list is not exhaustive and is not an endorsement of the leaders or their associated healthcare providers. Leaders cannot pay for inclusion on the list and are presented in alphabetical order. See the full list here.
About Becker's Healthcare
Becker's Healthcare is the home base for those shaping American healthcare. Through daily journalism across more than a dozen brands, 16 conferences a year in Chicago, podcasts, virtual events, and invitation-only executive communities and advisory boards, Becker’s Healthcare gives the people who run hospitals, health systems, ambulatory surgery centers and health plans the reporting and the forums they need to lead.