Whitlatch retiring from King’s Daughters

President/CEO Kristie Whitlatch, who has served King’s Daughters Health System for 35 years, is retiring at the end of the year. Current Chief Operating Officer Sara Marks has been named interim CEO. Autumn McFann, who was recently promoted to senior vice president and chief administrative/financial officer, will assume additional responsibilities working alongside Marks.

Whitlatch will continue to be employed by the University of Kentucky to assist with the transition.

Whitlatch has led King’s Daughters through some of its most challenging years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and an economic downturn, but has helped raise the organization back to success through investing in its team, integrating its medical staff, and recently finalized a partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK).

“When appointed CEO in 2013, my organizational goals were to grow, fix and rebuild,” Whitlatch said. “And together, we have done that. King’s Daughters Health System now is more than 5,000 team members strong. We’ve invested heavily in our team with pay, retirement and benefits. Our volumes are unprecedented and we are now able to invest in our physical plant, paving the way for the future with new nursing units, a new Central Sterile area, and a new Emergency Department and Imaging building. But investing in our team and building morale is one of the things I am most proud of. Most importantly, our team made it all possible.”

“Aside from my corporate goals, my personal goal was to stabilize King’s Daughters for future generations. The University of Kentucky partnership has helped make this a reality for the foreseeable future. We are indeed stronger together. I am excited about what the future holds for King’s Daughters.”

Whitlatch graduated from Boyd County High School and earned her associates degree in nursing from Ashland Community College. She went on to earn her bachelors of science in nursing from Bellarmine College in Louisville, and her masters of science in nursing from the University of Phoenix.

Prior to assuming the CEO position in December 2013, Whitlatch had served as vice president and chief operating officer since 2011. Whitlatch has been a part of the King’s Daughters family since 1987.