Kenton Saunders is a Director of Operations at Mercy Health with over 25 years of leadership experience. With the opportunity to lead over 150 diverse caregivers, there have been numerous opportunities for growth and development over the span of his career at Mercy. The ongoing opportunity to develop others has served as a springboard and has proven to be important as we further of the work of DAC (Diversity Advancement Council). As a Director of Operations at Mercy Health System in St. Louis, MO, Kenton has been afforded the opportunity to lead patient transportation initiatives throughout the Mercy Ministry. This includes being instrumental in establishing Mercy transport operations while ensuring Mercy's culture, mission, and values are upheld in the process. He has used experience and expertise to ensure best practices are upheld, while always considering new innovations to ensure Mercy is delivering on its mission to provide compassionate care and exceptional service to everyone we serve. Known for his passion to uplift and be a voice for others, Kenton is an advocate for diversity and inclusion. Kenton serves as Co-Chair of Mercy’s Diversity Advancement Council and was Co-Chair and Co-Founder of Mercy's BIPOC Mentor Program (along with Teresa Fitz), where he fosters equity, connection, and belonging across the organization. Outside of work, Kenton enjoys spending time with his family (wife and 6 children), serving as a minister of music at a local church, and pastoring an inner-city congregation.