Fifteen years ago, Truman Medical Centers was in a state of turmoil.

The federal government had levied charges of fraud against the hospital, and the organization was losing millions of dollars a year. Much was riding on the success of its new leader, John Bluford III, who was appointed in 1999.

But local health care executives said Bluford not only stabilized what was then a volatile situation, he also managed to turn Kansas City’s hospital of last resort into an organization with visionary ideas for the future of health care that extended well beyond the hospital’s walls.

On Feb. 21, Bluford announced plans to retire as CEO. Read more here.