Dear friends of the Foundation!

The old scout in me has always believed you should leave a place better than you found it. As I prepare to close this chapter, I find myself reflecting on how Liberty has done exactly that for me. This community has changed me in ways I will carry for a lifetime. My last day with the Liberty Hospital Foundation is November 7, 2025.

It is hard to put into words what it means to be part of something built on kindness, generosity, and shared purpose. I have watched families find comfort, patients find hope, and colleagues find meaning in the work we do together. Every story, every event, every handshake has reminded me why this Foundation matters so deeply.

To everyone who has given, volunteered, or simply believed in the mission, thank you. You have shown what community truly looks like. You have reminded me that even the smallest acts of generosity can ripple farther than we will ever know.

I will continue working with the Foundation throughout this transition and am honored to help during this period of change. The work does not stop here, and I am proud to help ensure a smooth and strong handoff for what comes next.

While I am stepping away from my role at the Foundation, Liberty will always feel like home. My next steps are part of a new adventure, but my gratitude for this place and the people in it will never fade. I believe the announcement below keeps our momentum and am so excited to see our Foundation and community thrive for years to come!

If you would like to stay connected or follow along on what comes next, you can find my career updates at linkedin.com/in/michaelcrussellcae or reach out anytime at MCR@MichaelCRussell.org.

Thank you for the honor of walking beside you in this work. You have made me better, and I will always cheer for Liberty to keep shining bright. I hope you know, I worked every day to leave our community better than it was the day before.

All my best,

Michael

—

Michael C. Russell, CAE, CFRE, MBA

Executive Director

Liberty Hospital Foundation

Justin Lee to lead the Foundation!

The Liberty Hospital Foundation is proud to announce that Justin Lee has been named Foundation Administrator, following a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee.

Justin has served as the Foundation’s Director of Finance and Operations for the past three years, providing steady leadership and strong financial oversight during a time of remarkable growth.

A graduate of Park University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Justin also holds a Master’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of Missouri–Columbia. His 18 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and financial management, all within the Kansas City Northland, will continue to serve the Foundation well as we move into a new era of growth and community impact.

Justin’s professionalism, insight, and passion for service have earned the respect of his colleagues, our donors, and our community. His leadership will help propel the Foundation forward as we build upon a strong foundation of success.

The Board also extends its deep gratitude to Michael C. Russell for his 3.5 years of dedicated service as Executive Director. Under Michael’s leadership, the Foundation reached record levels of community engagement, fundraising, and impact. His creativity, vision, and commitment to Liberty Hospital’s mission have positioned the Foundation for continued success for years to come.

Please join us in celebrating Michael and wishing him well in his next chapter at an open house on Thursday, October 23, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the TreeHouse Community Room.

Shawn Barber

President, Liberty Hospital Foundation

#RUNLiberty with us!

Join us on Saturday, March 28th for our 10th Annual #RUNLiberty! Use code: LHFoundation for 10% off! For our 10th Anniversary, we added a 10K and are celebrating a new Presenting Sponsor with Visit Liberty. Join in and register today.