KANSAS CITY, MO (October 21, 2026) – BioNexus KC announced at their 2026 Annual Event that Elizabeth (Liz) Shaffer will step into the role of President of Digital Health KC, succeeding Dick Flanigan, who has led the organization since its launch in 2023. Flanigan will transition into a role on the BioNexus KC Board of Directors and will continue his work on the Digital Health KC Advisory Board and as a Senior Advisor for the organization.
Shaffer joined Digital Health KC as Program Director in March 2024. During her time with the organization, she has helped build and expand the organization’s programming. She also played a pivotal role in recruiting the members of its current advisory board. She also helped grow Digital Health KC’s network of investors active in the region to 160, surpassing an original goal of 100.
From its inception, Digital Health KC planned for Flanigan to establish the organization and eventually transition leadership to a successor. Shaffer joined with this long-term plan in mind, helping position the organization for its next phase of growth.
“When we hired Liz, we hired her with an eye on leadership potential, leadership interest and demonstrated leadership characteristics,” said Flanigan. “A year in, there was no doubt she was incredibly capable. This is right on plan. It’s exactly what we structured the organization to do, and I’m excited for where we can take this going forward.”
Flanigan helped start Digital Health KC with co-founder Maria Flynn, who recruited him to the effort. The idea took shape in spring 2022, and Digital Health KC publicly launched in May 2023 as an initiative of BioNexus KC. It has since identified more than 130 digital health companies in the Kansas City region.
His role on the BioNexus KC Board will allow him to remain deeply connected to the region’s broader life sciences community. As Senior Advisor for Digital Health KC, he will continue supporting the organization and the companies it supports in the region’s digital health landscape.
“When you look over the past few years, you see that Dick’s vision and strategy were about activating the ecosystem,” said Shaffer. “What we’re going to see over the next couple of years is a continuation of that vision, but also listening. It’s not about where Digital Health KC wants to take this organization. It’s about what our ecosystem needs to be successful and keep this flywheel spinning.”
“Digital Health KC is a core part of how BioNexus KC brings the region’s health innovation community together, and Liz has been central to its growth,” said Dennis Ridenour, CEO of BioNexus KC, who announced the transition on stage at the event. We have full confidence in her leadership, and we’re glad to welcome Dick to the BioNexus KC Board, where his experience will help guide our broader work in life sciences.”
Digital Health KC will continue its mission of supporting the Kansas City region’s digital health companies, founders and the entire ecosystem.
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About Digital Health KC:
Digital Health KC is a non-profit Ecosystem and Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) dedicated to growing the digital health sector in the Kansas City region. Through partnerships, community building, and strategic initiatives like Digital Health KC provides the resources and network necessary for healthcare innovators to thrive.
About BioNexus KC:
The Kansas City region is a global leader at the nexus of human and animal health, and BioNexus KC plays a central role in advancing that leadership. As a regional convener and catalyst for life sciences innovation, BioNexus KC is uniquely positioned to promote scientific advancement and strengthen the impact of the region’s research ecosystem.
Through strategic partnerships, data-driven initiatives, and support for regional innovation, BioNexus KC advances life sciences research that drives scientific progress and innovation.
