McLaren Northern Michigan appoints John Kennedy as Chief Medical Officer

PETOSKEY — McLaren Northern Michigan has appointed John Kennedy, MD, MHA, as Chief Medical Officer, covering Petoskey and Cheboygan campuses.

He will be taking over the role March 11, following Andrew McDonagh's retirement.

Kennedy brings more than 20 years of experience leading medical staffs, overseeing an organization’s clinical quality and environment of safe patient care, according to McLaren's marketing manager Dave Jones.

A psychiatrist by education and training, Kennedy is also positioned to further develop McLaren Northern Michigan’s expanding behavioral health program.

“We thank Dr. McDonagh for his service and leadership in his time with McLaren, and wish him the best in his retirement,” Gar Atchison, McLaren Northern Michigan President and CEO, said in a release. “In speaking with Dr. Kennedy, it became evident quickly that he is an effective leader who is sincere and passionate about the quality and safety of the care given to our patients, and whose motivation is to provide for the betterment of our community. His genuine nature and commitment to the care of others will serve well in Petoskey, and we are grateful to have him.”

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Most recently serving as Vice President of Medical Affairs at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Kennedy began his clinical practice as a staff psychiatrist in Rochester, New York. He joined the University of Cincinnati as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Director, and Director of Forensic Services, among other roles. He also worked as the Chief Medical Officer of the Lindner Center of HOPE before leading the medical staff at Bon Secours Mercy Health hospital as Vice President of Medical Affairs.

Earning his medical degree from Ohio State University, Kennedy continued his education at OSU with a Master of Health Administration degree and a psychiatry residency. He also completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the University of Rochester in New York.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Kennedy to McLaren Northern Michigan as our next Chief Medical Officer,” said Justin Klamerus, McLaren Health Care Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, in a release. “Throughout what has already been an exceptional career, he has demonstrated himself to be an influential leader and effective partner to clinical teams. His experience and proficiency have resulted in organization enhancements to the quality and safety of care environments, and expanding how that care is delivered to a community. We are very pleased that Dr. Kennedy has joined McLaren, and we welcome him to our team.”

— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 or adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: McLaren Northern Michigan appoints John Kennedy as Chief Medical Officer