Hope Network President & CEO Named a 2026 Crain’s Detroit Business’ Healthcare Hero

DETROIT, Mich. (July 27, 2026)

We’re proud to share that Hope Network President and CEO Bob Von Kaenel has been named one of Crain’s Detroit Business Healthcare Heroes, recognizing leaders who are making a meaningful difference in health care across Michigan.

Since stepping into the role in late 2022, Bob has helped guide Hope Network through a period of significant growth and change, supporting teams across the organization as they expand access, strengthen services and prepare Hope Network for the future.

During his tenure, Hope Network has expanded behavioral health services in Flint, advanced more coordinated care through the Macomb Health Partners Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model, and opened a new Center for Autism in Livonia, bringing Applied Behavior Analysis services closer to more families.

That progress extends well beyond clinical care.

Bob has also supported continued growth in affordable housing, workforce development, education and community-based programs that help people build greater stability, independence and connection. He has championed recovery-focused approaches, including Hope Network’s Clubhouse programs, where people living with mental illness can find community, purpose and meaningful opportunities to participate in everyday life.

He has also helped lead a broader organizational transformation focused on long-term sustainability, stronger operations and making sure Hope Network can continue growing in thoughtful, responsible ways.

Today, Hope Network serves over 35,000 people each year across behavioral health, autism services, neuro rehabilitation, housing, transportation, workforce development, youth education and more.

This recognition reflects Bob’s leadership, but also the work of the thousands of people across Hope Network who bring that vision to life every day.

At the center of it all is the belief that has guided us from the beginning: we are all equally human.