The Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) Board of Directors has announced the selection of a new interim chief executive officer.
Karen Wheeler, who has served in senior management at GOBHI since 2017, has stepped into the top executive role, effective Jan. 30, 2020. Wheeler assumed the role vacated by Kevin M. Campbell, who served as CEO since 2001.
In the coming months, the board will conduct a formal search for a permanent CEO.
“GOBHI has a long history of innovation in the provision of behavioral health and related services across the state. The board is excited about the new direction GOBHI is taking at this time,” said Chris Siegner, Chair of the GOBHI Board of Directors. “Additionally, the Board of Directors recognizes the many years of Kevin’s dedicated service to GOBHI and to Eastern Oregon’s system of care. It is without any doubt that GOBHI, its behavioral health providers, and Eastern Oregon health system stakeholders have benefited enormously from Kevin’s dedication, innovation, and his hard work over the last two decades.”
Wheeler is a leader in behavioral health policy, program development, and management with over three decades of experience executing strategic initiatives to improve health systems in both government and nonprofit sectors, including 21 years in state government.
“I’m honored to be identified to lead such a dynamic, community-driven organization as GOBHI,” Wheeler said. “I am optimistic about GOBHI’s continued success, and look forward to working closely with stakeholders and partners as we build upon our initiatives in service of the health of rural and frontier Oregon communities.”
About GOBHI
Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that is a Managed Behavioral Healthcare Organization and is charged with administering all or part of the behavioral health Medicaid benefit in 12 rural and frontier counties in Oregon. GOBHI is a co-owner of the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization and also provides various direct services statewide. GOBHI is committed to better health, better care, and lower costs.
