Mr. Watson has been instrumental in transforming OU Health from a $1.2 billion local system to a $3 billion academic health system in six years. In partnership with The University of Oklahoma, OU Health offers the state’s only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics and centers of excellence. He led the financial strategy during OU Health’s divestiture from a previous hospital operator in 2018 and the acquisition of the faculty practice plan and clinics in 2021, creating Oklahoma’s first integrated academic health system. His strategic financial management has contributed to improved credit outlooks. He has also provided financial oversight for the statewide expansion of OU Health’s National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center and the development of Oklahoma’s only pediatric behavioral health facility, scheduled to open in 2026. His leadership includes the financial planning for acquiring six additional pharmacy locations for fiscal year 2025. Mr. Watson’s healthcare finance career spans over three decades, including executive roles at Los Angeles-based Keck Medicine of USC, Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA and The University of Chicago Medical Center.
