Jonathan W. Curtright Steps Into President and CEO Role at OU Health

The board of directors of OU Health, the University of Oklahoma’s academic health system, has named Jonathan W. Curtright, MBA, MHA, president and CEO of OU Health, effective July 1, 2026.

He succeeds Richard P. Lofgren, M.D., MPH, OU Health’s inaugural president and CEO, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Since joining OU Health as chief operating officer in August 2022, Curtright has led the health system through significant growth, integration and transformation. Under his operational leadership, annual revenue grew from $1.9 billion to a projected $3.7 billion in fiscal year 2026, admissions increased 22.3% and outpatient clinic visits statewide reached more than 1 million. The growth reflects higher patient volumes and service intensity rather than acquisitions.

That growth came with measurable gains in quality metrics and workforce excellence. Hospital-acquired infection rates moved to the top 10%, patient experience scores rose nearly 5 points to 66.32% and the system recruited a net gain of 162 physician specialists from premier academic institutions.

He also guided major program expansions, including a nearly $400 million pediatric heart investment; the expansion of OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center into Norman, Tulsa and McAlester, Oklahoma; and partnerships such as the Level II neonatal intensive care unit collaboration with Stillwater Medical.

Curtright’s national recognitions include Becker’s Healthcare’s 2025 list of 70 Academic Medical Center COOs to Know and its 2024 list of 118 COOs to Know. He serves on the Oklahoma State Chamber board of directors, Oklahoma Hospital Association advisory council and Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum board of trustees.

“Jonathan has been an essential partner and critical leader in transforming OU Health into Oklahoma’s first fully integrated academic health system,” said Joseph Harroz Jr., president of the University of Oklahoma and member of the OU Health board of directors. “He understands that academic medicine is about more than delivering care today. It is about advancing research, educating future healthcare professionals and ensuring Oklahomans have access to the highest level of care close to home. His leadership will be critical as OU Health continues to grow and expand its impact across our state.”

OU Health board of directors Chair G. Rainey Williams Jr. said, “Jonathan has been instrumental in helping advance OU Health’s mission and strategic vision during a period of extraordinary growth. He understands the unique responsibilities of an academic health system and has demonstrated the leadership, operational expertise and long-term vision needed to guide OU Health into its next chapter. The board is confident in his ability to build upon the strong foundation established under Dr. Lofgren’s leadership.”

Lofgren recruited Curtright from Missouri Health Care (MU Health Care), the University of Missouri’s academic health system, where he served as CEO from 2017 to 2022. There, he planned and launched a new Children’s Hospital and established the Alliance for Precision Health with Siemens Healthineers, MU Health Care and the University of Missouri System. He also led strategic initiatives to strengthen financial performance, broaden patient access, advance technology and clinical operations, and guide the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in his career, Curtright held executive leadership roles at Indiana University Health, UK HealthCare and Mayo Clinic.

“It is an honor to serve as the next president and CEO of OU Health,” Curtright said. “For the last four years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Lofgren and an exceptional leadership team dedicated to transforming healthcare in Oklahoma. As president and CEO, my focus will be on expanding access to advanced care, strengthening our academic mission, investing in our people and accelerating the growth of OU Health as a destination for patients, physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals. Building on the momentum already underway, we can ensure more Oklahomans have access to the highest level of care close to home.”