Spotlight: Andy Pace
From Dial-Up Dreams to Healthcare Innovation: Andy’s Full-Circle KC Story
Coming Back with Purpose
Kansas City has a way of pulling people back—not just with its affordability or family ties, but with its momentum. For tech leaders like Andy Pace, returning to KC wasn’t just about coming home; it was about finding the right place to make a real impact.
From scaling cloud companies in Chicago to modernizing healthcare infrastructure at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Andy brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and big-picture leadership. He’s one of many former Kansas Citians whose return strengthens the very fabric of our innovation ecosystem. And while Andy’s move came just before Back2KC officially launched, his story is a direct reflection of why the program exists—to spotlight what’s changed, and to support the people ready to help lead what’s next. And if you’ve had the chance to hear Darcy Howe share the origin story of Back2KC, you already know—Andy Pace’s return was part of the inspiration. His journey helped fuel the very idea that Kansas City could—and should—bring its brightest builders back home.
From Early Internet to Cloud Leadership
You could say Andy Pace was born for bandwidth.
Originally from Blue Springs, Missouri, Andy was already neck-deep in tech by age 15—before he could even drive. His parents dropped him off at a local BBS/ISP job in Independence, where he got an early crash course in internet startups. That experience, paired with a strong mentor, sparked a lifelong passion for technology.
In 2003, Andy headed to Chicago to help build a hosting company from the ground up. He played key leadership roles at midPhase and SingleHop, growing them from scrappy startups into national players in managed cloud services. After SingleHop’s successful exit in 2018, Andy and his family started looking ahead.
Kansas City had always been on their radar—but now it felt like more than just a hometown. It felt like the right move.
“We felt the pull—not just for family, but because KC’s tech scene was too good to ignore. The opportunity to work on meaningful tech while raising our family in a supportive community was unbeatable.”
And while Andy’s return came just before the launch of Back2KC in October 2018, the mission deeply resonates.
“I love what Back2KC stands for. The event has grown into a powerful motivator for people like me—those who’ve gone out, learned a lot, and want to bring it back home.”
Leading Innovation in Pediatric Healthcare
Today, Andy serves as Infrastructure Architect at Children’s Mercy Hospital, where he’s driving transformation during one of the hospital’s largest digital upgrades—its migration from Cerner to Epic.
“Healthcare doesn’t stand still—and neither can we. We’re using this moment to build scalable, secure systems that support world-class care not just today, but long into the future.”
Andy calls himself “an enabler”—someone who brings teams together to solve problems, scale infrastructure, and support the mission of delivering world-class care to children across the region. And it’s personal. He’s back in the city that gave him his start, raising his own family while helping to shape a better, smarter healthcare system for future generations.
Giving Back to the Community That Raised Him
Outside the hospital walls, Andy remains deeply engaged in the KC tech community. He mentors emerging professionals, shares his leadership insights, and champions collaboration across sectors.
“What I love most about KC is the mix of heartland warmth and entrepreneurial drive. It’s a place where people are hungry to build—but grounded in community values.”
His personal and professional goals align: help Kansas City become a national tech player, and foster a culture where talent can thrive—without having to leave town to grow.
He also sees value in the culture that Kansas City offers—a mix of Midwestern humility and genuine ambition. “It’s a city where people want to help each other. It’s big enough to matter, and small enough that your efforts can move the needle.”
Why KC?
Andy is clear: Kansas City has what you need to live well and work with purpose.
“KC is one of the few places where you can build a career and a life. Whether you want fast-paced city energy or a neighborhood with great schools, there’s a place for you here.”
He’s also passionate about sharing what he’s learned. Beyond his work at Children’s Mercy, Andy is mentoring emerging professionals and staying connected with Kansas City’s startup and innovation community.
“I want to help build a tech scene that’s nationally recognized—but locally rooted.”
Andy’s journey is a powerful reminder of the talent, vision, and leadership that often starts here—and can thrive here again. His return wasn’t just about roots; it was about reinvesting his skills into the place that gave him his start, and making sure the next generation of Kansas City builders has the infrastructure—both technical and community-based—to succeed.
As we look toward our 8th annual Back2KC event this September, we’re proud to highlight stories like Andy’s. These are just some of the incredible people actively shaping our region’s future: returnees who bring the best of what they’ve learned elsewhere and use it to help Kansas City rise.
Want to connect with Andy?
Andy is always open to talking startups, infrastructure, or life in KC. Reach out to him at andy.pace@gmail.com
Know someone who should be featured in our New2KC Spotlight? Submit a nomination here.