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Search launches for new head of Oregon Health Authority

Three ‘listening sessions’ in July seek public input on attributes needed to lead massive agency
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The Oregon Health Authority in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY
June 29, 2023

The state is asking for the public’s input as it searches for a new director of the Oregon Health Authority.

The agency, which employs roughly 5,000 people, has gone without a permanent director since March after the last one, James Schroeder, lasted only seven weeks in the job.

Listening Sessions

The sessions will happen online via Zoom at the following times:

  • 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on July 10

  • 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 12

  • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on July 14

Call 888-788-0099 to attend by phone. 
Meeting ID: 766963 0318 
Passcode: 987654.

The firm hired to conduct the search for a new director, Motus Executive Search, will host three “listening sessions” to “gather the perspectives of community partners to identify the key attributes and skills you would like to see in the next OHA director,” according to a press release the health authority issued.

The state posted the job opening early this month.

The position is considered one of the more challenging ones in Oregon government. The director before Schroeder, Patrick Allen, resigned as Gov. Tina Kotek took office. She’d vowed to fire him during the campaign.

Schroeder, who formerly headed Health Share of Oregon, an insurance contractor serving the Medicaid-funded Oregon Health Plan, had taken office vowing to be collaborative and build relationships with providers and communities.

But he faced challenges, offered his resignation, and later said the agency was resistant to change.


​​You can reach Nick Budnick at [email protected] or at @NickBudnick on Twitter.

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