ODS announces hire of two respected Oregon healthcare leaders

ODS has announced the hire of two longtime Oregon healthcare leaders: James Foley, a former principal at Mercer, and Barney Speight, a former executive director of the Oregon Health Fund Board.

With more than three decades of healthcare experience, Foley will serve as the Vice President of Medical Professional Relations at ODS. He joins ODS from Mercer, where he worked as a principal and senior healthcare consultant, developing a model for integrating national practice resources and managing large multipractice consulting teams. In his more than 12 years at Mercer, Foley was the lead senior consultant for two of the top three largest accounts out of the Seattle office.

Speight has more than 30 years of private- and public-sector experience in the healthcare field, most recently working on a plan to create affordable healthcare for all Oregonians through the Health Fund Board. At ODS, Speight will serve as the Managing Director of Medical Professional Relations.

“Jim and Barney are tremendous additions to our company’s leadership,” said C.J. McLeod, ODS Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We are fortunate to have their experience and expertise in continuing to expand our promise of excellence to our members.”

ODS CEO and President Robert Gootee said he is extremely pleased by the company’s recent hires.

 “Our ability to attract such high-profile industry executives is a credit to ODS’ consistent growth and commitment to the highest standards,” Gootee said. “We are proud to have these key players on board.”

The arrival of Foley and Speight follows the addition of William Johnson, M.D., former president and CEO of Surgical Associates, in September. Johnson serves as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at ODS.

“ODS is one of the most innovative companies in Oregon — in part because of its recruitment of leaders from different areas within the healthcare field,” Johnson said. “We are growing a leadership team capable of making the most of a healthcare environment that is rapidly evolving.”

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