Posted by ImproveCareNow™ on July 14, 2026
ImproveCareNow (ICN) is pleased to announce that John Grunow, MD has been chosen for the role of Chair of the Board of Directors beginning on July 1, 2026. John will be replacing Missy Ketchum who has served as Chair of the Board since 2023, and as a member of the ICN Board for nine years.
During her tenure, Missy helped hire two executive directors and a clinical director, provided support during the ICN registry transition, and assisted in managing grants and gifts to support ICN’s important work. As a passionate advocate and a seasoned nonprofit professional, she has brought an incredible amount of wisdom and expertise to this leadership role.
“Missy has been both a mentor and steady support throughout my onboarding as executive director – and I’m so grateful for her impact in my life. Missy, this community thanks you for your dedication and service to ImproveCareNow. We will miss you and we hope you know there is always a place for you in our community."
- Becky Johnson Rescola – President & Executive Director, ImproveCareNow
John Grunow has a long history with ImproveCareNow and we are excited for him to step into this new position. John has been involved in ImproveCareNow since 2007, when the network initially launched as the "PIBD Trailblazers," and he served as his site's ICN physician leader until retiring in 2020.
John practiced as a pediatric gastroenterologist at Oklahoma University Health Science Center for 40 years before his retirement in 2020. During his tenure he also served as hospital Chief of Staff, Interim Pediatric Department Chairman and Section Chief of Pediatric GI.
John has participated with ICN in multiple capacities, including Chair of the Research Committee, Co-Chair of the Community Council, and member of the Physician Leadership Group. Since retiring, he has continued as a mentor for the Pre-Visit Planning Learning Lab, member of the Advancement Committee, and a historical advisor to the Community Council.
“I am grateful to John Grunow for accepting this leadership role on the Board of Directors. John’s long history with and deep understanding of the mission of ImproveCareNow makes him the ideal Chair to guide the network through its exciting next chapter."
- Missy Ketchum – Outgoing Chair of the Board, ImproveCareNow
As the Board kicks off its new term, ImproveCareNow will maintain momentum towards fulfilling the goals set forth in our FY25-28 strategic plan. A few notable accomplishments include recent improvements in remission and sustained remission rates and continued progress with the ICN registry. You can learn more about our strategic goals and achievements in the 2025 Annual Update. As the incoming Board Chair, John will help guide ICN through the completion of this current plan and into the next strategic planning period. Work will begin on drafting ICN’s next strategic plan later this fiscal year.
The ICN Board of Directors begins their next term at the start of the 2027 fiscal year on July 1, 2026. Below are members of the Board for this term.
ImproveCareNow Board of Directors (July 1, 2026)
- Sabina Ali, MD - Care Center Physician
- John Barnard, MD - Institutional Leader (Board Secretary/Treasurer)
- Jennie David-Rodgers, PhD – Care Center Psychologist
- Rachael Fleurence, PhD - Federal Liaison
- John Grunow, MD - Care Center Physician (Board Chair)
- Jim Jacobson, JD - Functional Expertise
- Inbal Kavaler - Parent
- Sandra Kim, MD - Care Center Physician
- Karen Murray, MD - Institutional Leader
- Ashish Patel, MD - Care Center Physician
- Becky Woolf - Patient
Learn more about the ImproveCareNow team
Learn more about new Board Chair, John Grunow, from his 2021 Ignite Talk