Liekweg Honored For Distinguished Service
Richard J. Liekweg, former CEO of BJC Health, headquartered in St. Louis, was honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Award. Established in 1975, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to hospitals, health systems, communities, health care and MHA. The award was presented Nov. 4 at MHA’s 104th Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.
“Rich’s influence is visible in the communities BJC Health serves — and well beyond,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA president and CEO. “His leadership not only grew and strengthened BJC, but it extended into partnerships that improved care, increased value and changed lives in communities throughout the state.”
As CEO, Liekweg led the nearly $12 billion health system, with 48,000 employees, 24 hospitals, and hundreds of clinics, service organizations and physician offices. In 2024, BJC integrated with Saint Luke’s Health System of Kansas City to operate as a single, integrated health care organization serving patients in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, the Midwest and beyond. Throughout his tenure leading BJC, the organization was nationally recognized for both its clinical excellence and culture.
In addition to his focus on world-class care, Liekweg continued BJC’s legacy of service — encouraging innovations that improve health. This included a commitment to safety-net care and investments in communities as an anchor institution to strengthen lives by addressing nonclinical factors that influence health. BJC’s contributions annually exceed $1.5 billion in community benefit.
“Rich helped shape BJC into one of the nation's leading health systems by fostering a culture centered on our people, our patients, and the communities we serve,” said Nick Barto, BJC Health President and Chief Executive Officer. “He challenged us to think bigger about our responsibility to patients and communities, and to invest in programs that improve health both inside and outside our hospitals. Under his leadership, BJC strengthened its commitment to clinical excellence, compassionate care, and community impact. We proudly build on the foundation he created and appreciate his lasting contributions to the communities we serve.”
Liekweg served in executive roles within BJC from 2009 to 2025. He was selected in 2015 to serve as executive vice president and was promoted in 2017 to president of BJC HealthCare. In 2018, Liekweg was named BJC HealthCare’s CEO, and in 2024, he became CEO of BJC Health System. He retired in late 2025.
Liekweg was an active member of the MHA Board of Trustees and served as the 2023 board chair. His service occurred at a time of profound change in health care as hospitals worked to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic where trust in institutions — including hospitals and health systems — declined. In Missouri, he supported adoption and implementation of broadening Medicaid coverage to more Missourians to improve health and outcomes. In 2022, Liekweg was honored with MHA’s Visionary Leadership Award. He also has served on the boards of professional and community organizations including Vizient, Washington University, Cortex, Community Health Commission of Missouri, Greater St. Louis Inc., and BioSTL.
A video honoring Liekweg is available here.
Photo caption: Stephen L. Reintjes Sr., M.D., president and CEO of NKC Health in North Kansas City, Mo., and 2026 MHA Board Chair (left), and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO (right) present Rich Liekweg with MHA's Distinguished Service Award.
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 138 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.