After a lengthy and winding road, OHSU Health has finally found its new leader. This is a significant announcement, especially considering the challenges the health system has faced in the past couple of years. As an independent local news outlet, Willamette Week is currently running its most important annual fundraiser and your support is greatly appreciated. Give today to hold power to account.
Following a nearly two-year search, which included a particularly turbulent period with an interim leader who only lasted a few weeks, OHSU Health has appointed a new CEO. The chosen candidate is Tarek Salaway, who brings a wealth of experience from various healthcare institutions in California. Most recently, he held a position within the Kaiser Permanente system in the San Francisco Bay Area.
"With 28 years of leadership experience across diverse health care systems in major west coast markets, Mr. Salaway brings a strong record of developing and executing a broad range of strategic initiatives, in close partnership with clinicians and staff, to advance high-value clinical programs and ensure exceptional care and services to the patients and communities served," stated OHSU President Shereef Elnahal in a message to staff and community members on Monday. This highlights Salaway's commitment to improving patient care and services.
OHSU Health, a major component of Oregon Health & Science University, oversees the university’s hospitals and clinics. The search for a new leader began in early 2024 when former CEO John Hunter announced his departure. Hunter's exit occurred in June of that year, with Joe Ness, the health system’s COO, stepping in as an interim leader until late 2024. Then, OHSU announced a new interim hire, Ann Madden Rice.
But here's where it gets controversial... Rice's tenure was incredibly short-lived, departing just five weeks later. The very next day, OHSU appointed Tim Goldfarb, who had previously led OHSU Health decades ago, to come out of retirement and take on the interim CEO position. This rapid succession of interim leaders certainly raises questions about the stability and direction of the health system during this transition period.
Elnahal emphasized that Salaway's appointment is the result of an extensive national search. Salaway's first day at OHSU Health is scheduled for December 15th. "It is a privilege to join the outstanding leadership team at OHSU Health at a time of excitement, transformation and a deep sense of commitment to the communities we serve across Oregon," Salaway said in a written statement.
What do you think about the prolonged search and the various interim leaders? Do you believe Salaway is the right choice to lead OHSU Health forward? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
