Episode 353. Steve Cunanan – Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross – Kentucky Region

Steve Cunanan is a seasoned healthcare executive with extensive experience in leadership roles across various organizations.

Professional Background: Kindred Healthcare (2013 – 2018):

Cunanan served as Chief Administrative and Chief People Officer, overseeing the company’s human capital initiatives.

AMERICAN RED CROSS: American Red Cross Kentucky Region (2019 – 2024):
He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Kentucky Region in August 2019, where he also served as the CEO of the Louisville Area Chapter.

He oversaw operations, including nearly 2,500 volunteers and 193 employees, and responded to over 2,000 local disasters annually.

CEOc (2024 – Present):

In September 2024, Cunanan was appointed President and CEO of CEOc, an organization dedicated to solving national healthcare challenges and promoting economic vibrancy in Louisville.
BUSINESS WIRE

Board Memberships and Community Involvement: Cunanan has been actively involved in various boards and community organizations, including:

East Carolina University Foundation

Greater Louisville Inc.

USA Cares

Kentuckiana Works

His commitment to community service is further demonstrated by his five-year tenure as a board member for the Louisville Area Chapter and Kentucky Region of the American Red Cross. During this time, he assisted and led several key fundraising committees.

Educational Background:

After completing his graduate studies and military service, Cunanan began his professional career with Owens Corning, a leading manufacturer of construction and building products.

Recent Developments:

As President and CEO of CEOc, Cunanan is expected to leverage his extensive experience in healthcare and non-profit leadership to advance the organization’s mission of addressing national healthcare challenges and fostering economic growth in Louisville.

After completing graduate studies & military service, Steve joined Owens Corning, a leading manufacturer of construction & building products. He held several Human Resources positions & also acted as a business leader for a manufacturing department.

In 1998, Steve joined Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon Endo-Surgery in Cincinnati, Ohio, as HR Director for the Corporate support organizations and research and development. He was then promoted to vice president of human resources at J&J Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics-International, based in London, England.

Steve joined the J&J Consumer Companies in 2004 as Vice President of human Resources in North America.

In 2007, Steve assumed global Human Resources responsibilities for the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Group of Companies and was a member of the Consumer Group Operating Committee.

Steve was appointed Chief Human Resource Officer for Catalyst Health Solutions, a leading pharmacy benefit management organization, in 2011.

From 2013 to 2018, Steve served as Kindred Healthcare’s Chief Administrative and chief People Officer, with overall responsibility for the company’s human capital initiatives.

Steve received a BA in Psychology from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, and his MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the same institution.

He serves on the boards of the East Carolina University Foundation, Greater Louisville, Inc., USA Cares, and Kentuckiana Works.

Steve, his wife Ellen, & their 2 children live in Louisville.