Ascension names Dana Runager Chief Operating Officer of Ascension Living and Ken Robbins Chief Operating Officer of PACE

St. Louis-based Ascension has named Dana Runager the new Chief Operating Officer of Ascension Living and Kenneth (Ken) Robbins the Chief Operating Officer of PACE. 

Dana will share her expertise in post-acute care to drive collaboration, exceptional care, quality outcomes and high-impact solutions for the organization. Over the past two decades, she has achieved significant improvements in senior care settings, including producing above industry standard revenue and margins at some of the largest senior living organizations to include  Brookdale Senior Living, Genesis Healthcare and Senior Living Properties.

Runager holds a nursing home administrator license and assisted living certificate in multiple states, and has operated in more than 10 states throughout her career. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Keiser University and an Executive MBA from the University of Alabama, Manderson Graduate School of Business. She has participated in various state associations and boards, and was recently appointed to the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living AHCA/NCAL Quality Improvement Committee. 

“I am thrilled to welcome Dana to the team,” said Erin Shadbolt, Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Living.  “Her impressive track record, including driving margins, achieving significant revenue growth and enhancing care, is exactly the expertise we need. This addition aligns with our strategic vision to continuously innovate and improve our senior care delivery, advancing towards our next milestone of becoming a leader in senior living solutions. We aim to drive meaningful change and meet new benchmarks of excellence in our sector.”
Kenneth Robbins will oversee Ascension Living’s four Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) locations. His primary responsibilities will focus on fiscal planning, recruiting, and performance improvement. By concentrating on these core areas, Robbins is expected to enhance program stability and community impact. He will also collaborate with leadership teams to explore opportunities to expand our influence in the communities we serve and beyond.

He brings significant experience in the start-up, management and operational growth of PACE organizations. As an experienced leader of PACE organizations, he has helped open PACE programs in Florida, Kentucky and Maryland. In addition to opening new centers, Ken has successfully managed PACE programs and advocated for increased enrollment capacity through service area expansions. He participates in various state PACE associations, including Michigan, where he serves as Board Chair.

Prior to working in the PACE field, Robbins ran skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities. He earned his bachelor’s degree in General Management and his master’s degree in Hospitality Business Management from Michigan State University.

“I look forward to working alongside Ken to expand and enhance our PACE services,” said Kim Lane, Vice President, Post-Acute Care.  “His significant experience in the start-up, management, and operational growth of PACE programs, including his success opening centers in multiple states, is invaluable. Together with our incredible associates and clinicians, his focus on fiscal planning and performance improvement will ensure the stability and quality of our four PACE locations as we strive to provide the highest quality of care and life-enriching opportunities.”