Swope Health announces today that Rachael Gandolph, DDS, has been named Executive Vice President of Dental Services, and Debra Simpson has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer.
Gandolph brings nearly two decades of experience as a dental executive and clinician, with deep expertise in leading high-volume, multi-site dental service lines within Federally Qualified Health Centers. Most recently, Gandolph served as Executive Director and Dental Service Line Leader at HealthNet, where she provided executive oversight for four dental centers with more than 30,000 annual patient encounters. She has received statewide recognition for clinical excellence, leadership and impact in community health, including being named the 2019 Indiana Primary Health Care Association Provider of the Year.
In her new role, Gandolph will guide Swope Health’s dental strategy, operations and continued expansion of accessible, comprehensive oral healthcare for patients and families across the Kansas City region. Additionally, she will have oversight of Swope Health’s newly established Advance Education in General Dentistry Program, which just welcomed its first resident in August.
Simpson brings more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience in organizational development, people strategy and culture transformation to the executive team. In prior roles, Simpson has managed multi-million dollar building projects and gained extensive experience in designing and executing major community and private events.
Simpson joined Swope Health in 2022 as a Human Resources Business Partner Director, providing strategic oversight for employee relations, project and program management, learning and development, talent acquisition, credentialing, payroll, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, including implementing the health center’s first Employee Resource Group. A trusted advisor to executive leadership, Simpson became Interim Chief Human Resources Officer in May 2025.
“Dr. Gandolph’s experience leading complex dental operations, developing high-performing teams and advancing inclusive care makes her exceptionally well prepared for this role,” said Swope Health President and CEO Jeron Ravin, J.D., MHL. “Debra’s promotion to Chief Human Resources Officer reflects her proven ability to align people strategy with organizational goals, strengthen culture and support the teams who carry out our mission every day. Together, their leadership will help advance Swope Health’s commitment to quality, access and community wellness.”
About Swope Health
Swope Health has provided comprehensive primary care, dental care and mental health services in the Greater Kansas City area for 56 years. Swope Health served more than 55,000 patients in 2025 at 24 locations throughout the region, including Kansas City, Mo., Belton, Mo., Independence, Mo., Excelsior Springs, Mo., North Kansas City, and KCK.
