Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University has eliminated its COO role.
Prior areas of responsibility are being assigned to other members of the OHSU Health leadership team, including the new CEO when hired, a system spokesperson confirmed to Becker’s on Aug. 29.
Joe Ness has held the role since August 2018, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“I was told that the role was no longer needed, that my areas could be covered by other people,” Mr. Ness told Willamette Week on Aug. 28.
Mr. Ness also served as interim CEO between John Hunter, MD, who stepped down as CEO in June 2024, and the appointment of interim CEO Ann Madden Rice in December 2024. Ms. Rice held the role for five weeks before she too stepped down.
The leadership change follows two additions in recent months: Shereef Elnahal, MD, as president and Angela Sklenka as executive vice president and chief people officer.
Becker’s has reached out to Mr. Ness and will update this story if more information becomes available.
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