Penn State Health Announces leadership transition for Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Board of Directors
Penn State Health today announced a planned leadership transition for the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Board of Directors, with Kathy Pape appointed chair and Rob Bowman named vice chair, effective July 1.
Pape succeeds Dennis Brenckle, a founding board member who is stepping down after many years of dedicated service and leadership on the board. Brenckle has served as chair of the board since 2018 and was vice chair from 2014 to 2018. A longtime member of the health system community, Brenckle has played a significant role in advancing Penn State Health’s mission for more than 25 years, including his leadership of the For The Future campaign, which raised nearly $307 million to support patient care, education, research and community outreach.
“Denny’s leadership and deep commitment to our mission have made a lasting impact on our organization and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Michael Kupferman, CEO of Penn State Health. “We are grateful for his years of service and the strong foundation he has helped build.”
“Denny’s dedication to Penn State Health and to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Board has been extraordinary,” said Mark H. Dambly, chair, Penn State Health Board of Directors. “He has played a key role in building and sustaining our boards—both through his leadership and his ability to bring together dedicated community leaders in support of our mission.”
Pape, a retired shareholder of Saxton & Stump and an experienced attorney and executive, previously served as vice chair of the board and brings extensive expertise in government affairs, regulatory strategy and business leadership. Prior to her legal career, she led American Water’s Mid-Atlantic Division and served as president of Pennsylvania American Water, where she guided operations across multiple states and played a key role in advancing water infrastructure and policy.
“Kathy has been an integral member of our board and a trusted advisor to our leadership team,” Kupferman said. “Her experience, perspective and commitment to our mission make her exceptionally well suited to serve as chair as we continue to advance our strategic priorities.”
Bowman, president of Charter Homes & Neighborhoods, will serve as vice chair. Since founding the company in 1990, he has led its growth into one of the leading privately held homebuilders in Pennsylvania, earning national recognition for innovation, quality and workplace excellence.
This leadership transition reflects the board’s ongoing commitment to thoughtful succession planning and strong stewardship of Penn State Health’s mission.
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