Member News: Belton Regional Medical Center CEO Todd Krass Announces Retirement after more than 20 Years of Service
Todd Krass, CEO of Belton Regional Medical Center
BELTON, MO. — (March 3, 2026) — Todd Krass, chief executive officer of Belton Regional Medical Center, announced his retirement late February following more than 20 years of leadership at the hospital and more than four decades of service in healthcare.
A psychiatric nurse by training, Krass has led Belton Regional Medical Center with a patient-first philosophy shaped by his early clinical experience. Since becoming CEO in 2005, he has guided the hospital through sustained growth while maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety, and compassionate care.
Under Krass’s leadership, Belton Regional Medical Center expanded critical services to meet the needs of a growing community, including adding key physician specialties, a new intensive care unit, and expanded emergency services. These investments strengthened the hospital’s clinical capabilities and positioned Belton Regional Medical Center to care for patients with greater complexity while advancing its mission as part of HCA Midwest Health.
“Todd’s leadership has left a lasting impact not only on Belton Regional Medical Center, but across HCA Midwest Health and the communities it serves,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “He leads with integrity, humility, and a deep respect for people – patients, colleagues, and community partners alike. His steady guidance has shaped a strong culture of accountability and compassion and helped ensure Belton Regional Medical Center remains a trusted resource for families throughout Cass and southern Jackson counties.”
Krass’s impact extends beyond hospital operations. He has demonstrated long-standing civic leadership through involvement with community organizations, chambers of commerce and health-focused foundations. He previously served as chair of the American Heart Association Kansas City Heart Walk, leading a record-setting fundraising effort supporting cardiovascular research and education.
“Serving as CEO of Belton Regional Medical Center for the past 20 years has been the greatest privilege of my career,” Krass said. “This hospital exists because of – and for – the community that relies on us for its care. I am deeply grateful to the physicians, nurses and colleagues who care for our neighbors every day, and to the patients and families who place their confidence in us during life’s most vulnerable moments. Together, we’ve expanded access to care close to home and strengthened Belton Regional Medical Center as a vital community resource.”
Krass’s retirement marks the conclusion of a career defined by empathy, accountability and service — values that continue to shape Belton Regional Medical Center and the communities it serves.
The health system announced the appointment of Dan Astleford as the next CEO of Belton Regional Medical Center. Astleford, a 15-year veteran of healthcare leadership, has served as the COO of Centerpoint Medical Center for 8 years. Astleford joins the hospital on March 1, 2026.
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About Belton Regional Medical Center
Belton Regional Medical Center — part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider — is conveniently located at Highways 71 and 58 in Belton, Missouri. The 85-bed acute care hospital offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services. Established in 1984, Belton Regional Medical Center’s mission is to provide the citizens of southern Jackson and northern Cass counties access to critical health resources. Our highly qualified physicians and skilled health professionals, dedicated to our community, make it possible to meet this mission.
About HCA Midwest Health
As the Kansas City area’s largest healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health comprises seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, and other facilities and services to meet residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest employers, with more than 10,000 colleagues and an annual local economic impact of more than $1.4 billion. That includes more than $102 million annually in charity and uncompensated care and more than $200 million in federal, state, and local taxes to help improve the schools, roads, and infrastructure of the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, and Research Psychiatric Center. HCA Midwest Physicians, part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently, HCA Midwest Physicians represents nearly 600 providers across 80+ specialties and 150+ locations. For more information, visit hcamidwest.com.