Published on November 4, 2026
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ROLLA, Mo. – Phelps Health President and CEO Jason Shenefield, MBA, FACHE, has been named the Missouri Hospital Association’s (MHA) 2026 Visionary Leader of the Year. The award recognizes healthcare leaders who show strong vision, bring new ideas to their organizations and work to improve healthcare in their communities.
Since becoming president and CEO in July 2021, Shenefield has focused on strengthening Phelps Health’s connection to the community, supporting employees and improving access to quality care. His leadership has helped position the health system for continued growth while keeping its focus on the people it serves.
“Jason understands that healthcare is about people—those who are served and the individuals within hospital organizations who provide care and support,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA president and CEO. “Since his selection as president and CEO of Phelps Health, he has focused on building bonds between the Hospital and community, strengthening the Phelps Health team and engaging with stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally to improve care.”
Supporting Employees and Strengthening Care
Shenefield’s leadership has included a strong focus on his team members. He has increased opportunities for in-person communication, expanded employee recognition efforts, invested in competitive pay and benefits, and prioritized employee safety and well-being.
Shenefield has also led efforts to strengthen care and expand services for the community. These include participating in Missouri Medicaid’s Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) pilot program, integrating an accountable care organization into the health system and launching a direct-to-employer health plan. Strategic investments have also helped Phelps Health earn recognition for its stroke, heart and cancer care, outpatient joint replacement, emergency nursing, and workplace culture.
A Team Effort
“Jason’s steadfast leadership, integrity and commitment to excellence have helped shape the future of Phelps Health while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Janece Martin, EdD, Phelps Health Board of Trustees chair. “This recognition reflects not only his vision, but also the lasting impact of his service to our organization and our communities.”
Annie Bass, a fellow member of the Phelps Health Board of Trustees, echoed Martin’s thoughts.
“There’s just so much about Jason that is so important to Phelps Health,” Bass said. “I’ve always said, ‘Jason is the heartbeat of the organization.’”
In addition to his work at Phelps Health, Shenefield serves on the MHA Board of Trustees and the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board. He has also testified before Congress and advocated for policies that support rural hospitals and the communities they serve.
The 2026 Visionary Leadership Award was presented November 4, 2026, at MHA’s 104th Annual Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
About Missouri Hospital Association
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 138 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.