Freeman CEO Paula Baker announces retirement plan

Jan. 25—Paula Baker, Freeman Health System president and CEO for the past 13 years, announced her retirement Thursday morning in an email to employees.

She said her retirement will take place at this time next year.

"I think all of us know when it's time to retire," Baker said Thursday. "I love my job and it's so fulfilling and I'll still be here for another year. I have a 16-year-old son and the days of him being home are growing short so I think the number one motivation for me is to spend time with my family."

In the email to Freeman employees, Baker shared her "gratitude for the unwavering support, the countless memories and remarkable accomplishments we have achieved together as we fulfill our most sacred mission."

"Through the collective efforts our our exceptional team, we have expanded our services, bolstered our workforce and witnessed substantial increases in income," Baker said. "These achievements stand as a testament to the unwavering commitment and passion that each and every one of you has brought to the table."

Baker said the Freeman Board of Directors will begin the search for a new president/CEO.

She has been the face of Freeman since she was chosen to replace the retiring Gary Duncan on Jan. 1, 2012.

Joplin Mayor Doug Lawson said on Thursday that Joplin is indebted to her for all she's done for the city.

"We are blessed with two great hospitals," Lawson said. "And health care is a huge part of Joplin's economy and the life of our city. I think she helped encourage KCU to come here and she has been bold enough to grow Freeman Health System. She could have sat back and they would have been just fine, but she's been aggressive in her outreach to the city, and that's been a huge benefit to the city of Joplin."

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce President Travis Stephens said Baker has had a "profound impact" on Joplin.

"Paula Baker leaves a legacy of monumental growth and success for Freeman Health System," Stephens said. "But her profound impact is evident not just in the health care sector, but in the entire community as well. Her leadership has left an enduring mark on countless patients, physicians, nurses and health care professionals as well as local nonprofits, community organizations and the overall public at large. She will no doubt leave some enormous size shoes to fill, and we wish her the very best in her next chapter of life."

Baker previously served as chief clinical officer for Freeman starting in 2008 and CEO at Ozark Center, Freeman's behavioral health unit, starting in 2003.

Baker's biography on the Freeman website says she was "the guiding force behind the development of the Bill and Virginia Leffen Center for Autism" and "continues to provide executive leadership for the autism program."

A more recent achievement under her tenure was the start of construction on a new 50-bed hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas, announced in August 2023.

In 2010, Baker was chosen the Joplin's Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Baker was recognized for rising through the ranks and being the kind of leader who gets things done; her efforts in 2005 to create a local program for autistic children was cited as an example of that determination.

Other honors include the Missouri Hospital Association's Visionary Leadership Award, Pittsburg State University's Outstanding Alumni, PSU's Meritorious Achievement, Making a Difference to Women, 2008 Women of Distinction, Hero in Healthcare, and many others.

Baker also serves on the PSU Foundation board of trustees and on the boards of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States, Arvest Bank and Connect2Culture.