KANSAS CITY, MO (May 19) – Swope Health is pleased to announce the addition of two vice presidents to their health center roster.
Jay Wilson recently joined Swope Health as vice president of development.
In his new position, Wilson is responsible for driving the organization’s growth through strategic fundraising, donor cultivation, and grant acquisition. He will work closely with the President and CEO Jeron Ravin, JD, MHL, to align growth initiatives and adequately support Swope Health’s multitude of capital projects, such as Swope Health Village. Prior to Swope Health, Wilson developed a storied career in higher education philanthropy. Most recently, he worked for EAB Consulting as senior director of partner development, helping colleges and universities grow donor pipelines and generate philanthropic revenue. Wilson has also served as president and CEO of the UMKC Foundation, University of South Dakota Foundation, and chief advancement officer for William Woods University. Over his career, Wilson has led fundraising teams responsible for more than $1 billion in fundraising revenue.
Swope Health has recently hired Joel Ritchie, J.D., as vice president of compliance and general counsel. In the position, Ritchie will oversee legal, regulatory, and compliance programs, risk assessments, audits, and will ensure the health center’s adherence to internal policies. Ritchie comes to Swope Health after a seven-year career with Jackson County, where he served in multiple roles through the years. Richie has also worked with Footprints, Inc. to assist with compliance and regulatory matters on Grant and Per Diem funding for veteran housing. Under his leadership, Footprints expanded its housing facilities with a new $7.6 million capital campaign near 35th Street and 71 Highway.
“As Swope Health continues to expand its impact and advance our long-term growth strategy, strong leadership in development and compliance is essential,” said Swope Health President and CEO Jeron Ravin, J.D., MHL. “Jay brings a proven track record of building high-performing advancement programs and generating transformative philanthropic support that will help fuel our capital priorities and mission-driven growth. At the same time, Joel’s deep legal expertise and commitment to operational integrity will strengthen our ability to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Together, their talent and expertise will help position Swope Health to remain financially strong, accountable, and focused on delivering high-quality care to the community.”
Swope Health, the Kansas City region’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center, has provided comprehensive primary care, dental care and mental health services in the Greater Kansas City area for 56 years. Recognized as a patient-centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, Swope Health’s commitment to an integrated model of healthcare aligns with its mission of improving community health and wellness by delivering accessible, quality, comprehensive patient care. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and The Joint Commission, Swope Health served nearly 56,000 patients in 2025 at 24 locations throughout the area, including Kansas City, Belton, Independence, North Kansas City, Hickman Mills, and Wyandotte and Leavenworth Counties in Kansas. Learn more at swopehealth.org.
