OU Health CEO is retiring, and a new leader is named | MED MOVES

Dr. Richard P. Lofgren, the first president and CEO of OU Health in Oklahoma, is planning to retire.

Lofgren, who has led the University of Oklahoma’s academic health system for four years, is planning to step down on June 30, 2026. And the academic health system has already announced its next leader.

Jonathan W. Curtright, the system’s chief operating officer, has been named the next president and CEO of OU Health. He’ll begin serving in the post July 1.

OU Health says Lofgren has been planning to retire. Lofgren says the system is “well-positioned” to meet its promise of caring for those most in need.

"Arriving in Oklahoma to help establish the state's flagship academic health system has been an honor," Lofgren said in a statement.

"Academic health systems exist to serve the state in ways that meaningfully change outcomes, ensure access to top-tier research and specialty care, while developing the brightest minds in healthcare."

Joseph Harroz, Jr., board director of OU Health, says Lofgren was the right choice to serve as the system’s inaugural chief executive. And he said Curtright is the right pick to help the system build on its progress.

“The University of Oklahoma and its academic health system have made remarkable strides in advancing the health of Oklahomans, but we must remain clear-eyed and strategic about our future,” Harroz said in a statement. “The work ahead is significant, but so is our commitment to the people of Oklahoma. We have full confidence that this work will continue under Jonathan Curtright’s leadership.”

OU Health’s revenues are growing, moving from $1.9 billion in 2022 and trending toward $3.6 billion, the system says.

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist names new CEO

David W. Zaas, MD, recently took over as chief executive officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Zaas began his new role Jan. 1. He succeeded Dr. Julie Ann Freischlag, who retired at the end of 2025 and is serving in a new role as an ambassador for Advocate Health.

He will be tasked with overseeing the health system’s growth and collaborating with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

“The strength of our organization comes from the close integration of our clinical and academic missions,” Zaas said in a statement. “That alignment allows us to improve patient care, advance research and educate the next generation of health professionals.”

Zaas is a pulmonary and critical care physician and is a professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He saluted Freischlag’s accomplishments and vows to maintain the high standards of the system.

“I am excited for this incredible opportunity to further advance scientific discovery, transform medical education and provide world-class care that improves health, for all, across our communities,” Zaas said in a statement.

The academic health system, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is part of Advocate Health, one of the nation’s largest non-profit systems. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist operates a medical center with nearly 900 beds, a children’s hospital, five community hospitals and more than 300 primary and specialty care locations.

Penn Medicine elevates hospital leader

After serving in an interim capacity, Michael D. Barber has been named chief executive officer of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health in Lancaster, Pa.

Barber took the interim CEO post last year, and previously served as the chief operating officer at Lancaster General. He also spent 27 years in leadership roles at Penn Medicine’s Chester County Hospital.

As the head of Lancaster General, Barber will also oversee the Women & Babies Hospital and a host of outpatient and urgent care locations in three counties.

Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO of Penn Medicine, praised Barber’s “ability to bring people together around a common purpose and shared goals.”

“He is well-respected for his steady, thoughtful leadership and approachable nature,” Mahoney said in a statement. “As a receptive listener, and through his engagement with community and business leaders, he is strengthening partnerships to continue LG Health’s longtime commitment to improve the health and well-being of people in Lancaster County and beyond.”

HCA Midwest hospital names new COO

Josh Gill has been named the chief operating officer of Overland Park Regional Medical Center, part of HCA Midwest Health.

Gill, who took the post in January, has a great deal of experience with HCA Healthcare, holding leadership roles at hospitals in Utah and Virginia.

He joined Overland Park after serving as chief operating officer at Lee’s Summit Medical Center.

“It’s a privilege to join Overland Park Regional Medical Center at such an important time in its growth,” Gill said in a statement. “I’m excited to work alongside the leadership team and our physicians and colleagues to support strong operational performance, advance high-quality patient care, and help create an environment where teams feel engaged, supported, and well-equipped to serve our community and its evolving healthcare needs.”

Matt Sogard, CEO of Overland Park Regional Medical Center, called Gill “a strong leader with the experience and capability to help enhance an already great team.”

“We look forward to him bringing that same impactful leadership to Overland Park Regional Medical Center, as we continue building an outstanding, engaged team,” Sogard said in a statement.