BUHLER, Kan. – October 17, 2025 – After 36 years of dedicated leadership, Keith Pankratz will officially retire from his role as CEO of Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community (SMRC) on December 19, 2025. In preparation for this transition, all executive leadership communication will now go through Executive Director/Administrator Nathan Spencer, effective immediately.
Keith’s tenure has been marked by remarkable growth, transforming SMRC from a small nursing home into a full Continuum of Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and establishing it as a major employer in the city of Buhler.
Keith has also been deeply involved in advancing senior care both locally and statewide. He has served on the city’s economic development committee, participated in numerous senior living boards and committees, and played a key role in the creation of the Progressive Healthcare Alliance, a leading coordination group for Kansas not-for-profit long-term care facilities, as well as an active member of the Kiwanis Club.
The Board of Directors has confirmed that Nathan Spencer, a familiar face at SMRC for over a decade, succeeds Keith as Administrator. Nathan first joined Sunshine Meadows in 2011 after six years with the City of Buhler’s maintenance department. Initially recruited by Keith to fill a maintenance role, Nathan quickly discovered a passion for serving seniors.
Recognizing Nathan’s leadership potential, Keith guided him through progressive roles, including overseeing transportation, housekeeping, and later, the Environmental Services teams. In 2015, the Board approved a succession plan for Nathan to pursue his administrator licensure.
Nathan earned his bachelor’s degree in Technology and Leadership from Fort Hays State University in 2020. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he took on the critical responsibility of overseeing SMRC’s response while completing the Administrator-in-Training program through the Kansas Adult Care Executives. Nathan received his administrator license in 2022 and officially stepped into the Administrator role in January 2023.
Nathan expressed his gratitude for Keith’s mentorship and the trust of the SMRC community: “Keith’s leadership has shaped not only this organization, but also my own journey. I look forward to continuing the mission of providing compassionate, Christ-centered care and ensuring Sunshine Meadows remains a place where residents feel at home.”
To honor Keith’s decades of service, SMRC will host a staff luncheon followed by a community come-and-go reception on December 19, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. Residents, staff, families, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate his remarkable career.
“The Sunshine Meadows Board of directors expresses its deepest gratitude to Keith for his years of dedicated leadership and the profound impact he has had on our residents, families, and staff. As we bid him farewell in retirement, we are delighted to welcome Nathan Spencer, who will carry on his legacy of care and commitment to our community.” Mary Frazier, Board Chair.
About Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community
Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community is a nonprofit full continuum of care provider located in Buhler, Kansas. Guided by its mission, “Creating a home surrounded by Christ’s love – giving your life dignity and purpose,” SMRC serves residents through Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Respite Care, and our newest service – STAY Your Way – a program developed to empower seniors to stay in the home they love for life.
