Northeastern Health System Announces Semi-Retirement of Chief Executive and Strategy Officer and President of the Tahlequah Hospital Foundation Brian Woodliff After Nearly 25 Years of Service

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA — October 12, 2026 — The Tahlequah Hospital Authority, doing business as Northeastern Health System (NHS), announces that Brian Woodliff, Chief Executive and Strategy Officer and President of the Tahlequah Hospital Foundation, will transition to a part-time leadership role effective February 1, 2027, following nearly 25 years of dedicated service to the organization and the communities it serves.

During his tenure, Woodliff has played a significant role in the growth, modernization, and strategic development of Northeastern Health System, helping transform the organization from a local hospital with approximately 280 employees and $30 million in gross revenue into a regional healthcare system with approximately 900 employees and $427 million in gross revenue.

His transition marks an important milestone in a career defined by healthcare innovation, strategic partnerships, regional collaboration, and a commitment to expanding access to high-quality healthcare throughout Northeastern Oklahoma.

Throughout his nearly quarter-century of service in Tahlequah, Woodliff has contributed to the development of NHS as a regional healthcare provider, supporting investments in clinical services, physician recruitment, facilities, partnerships, and organizational infrastructure.

Stephen Highers, Chairman of the Board, Tahlequah Hospital Authority and City Counselor said, “Brian Woodliff’s vision and leadership have helped transform Tahlequah into a growing medical economy. Through his ability to develop leaders, build partnerships, and expand healthcare services, he has created a lasting legacy for NHS and the communities we serve.”

Among the accomplishments associated with his leadership and strategic contributions are:

Woodliff contributed to the modernization of Northeastern Health System’s emergency and trauma capabilities, including new facilities where the emergency services are staffed by board-certified emergency physicians and the provision of air ambulance capabilities to support timely access to critical care.

He helped advance collaboration with the Cherokee Nation, including the formation and development of Cherokee Health Partners, a joint venture that expanded the health system’s regional healthcare relationships and service capabilities.

Under his tenure, NHS developed and expanded specialized services rarely found in rural communities, including:

• Cardiovascular and interventional cardiology services through the development of the heart center.

• Radiation oncology and medical oncology services.

• Regional Dialysis service centers.

• Expanded access to specialty and subspecialty care like Pulmonary, Rheumatology and Gastroenterology.

Woodliff contributed to the advancement of medical education and physician training partnerships, including local residency programs and collaboration with Oklahoma State University in family medicine and internal medicine.

Under Woodliff’s leadership, Northeastern Health System has expanded its regional role by providing management services and consulting support to five rural Prospective Payment System (PPS) and Critical Access Hospitals in Eastern Oklahoma.

Through these relationships, NHS extends its administrative expertise, operational support, and strategic resources to rural healthcare organizations, supporting regional collaboration and the continued delivery of essential healthcare services in rural communities.

Another significant achievement during Woodliff’s tenure was the creation and growth of the Tahlequah Hospital Foundation. The Foundation has developed into an organization with more than $20 million in assets, providing a lasting philanthropic resource to support the health system and its mission.

Berry Winn, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Northeastern Health System said, “After working with Brian Woodliff for more than 20 years, I have witnessed how his faith, determination, and commitment to serving others have improved countless lives. His leadership and example have made a lasting impact on NHS, our region, and the many people he has served.”

Woodliff’s contributions to healthcare leadership have been recognized by his professional peers and healthcare organizations.

Among his professional honors and leadership accomplishments are:

• Chairman, Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA): Selected by his peers to serve as chairman of the statewide hospital association.

• Cleveland Rogers Award: Recipient of the Cleveland Rogers Award in recognition of his contributions to healthcare leadership and service.

• Rural Health Association Administrator of the Year: Recognized as Administrator of the Year by the Rural Health Association.

• Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE): A professional designation reflecting his participation in the American College of Healthcare Executives and commitment to healthcare management.

Effective February 1, 2027, Brian Woodliff will transition from his current full-time executive responsibilities to a part-time leadership role as President of NHS’s Northeastern Oklahoma Management Services Organization (NOMSO).

In this role, Woodliff will continue to provide strategic leadership and organizational support while assisting with NHS’s ongoing relationships and participation in affiliated healthcare organizations, shared-service arrangements, and regional partnerships.

Woodliff will also serve as the Northeastern Health System Board’s representative to several organizations in which NHS holds an ownership interest or participates, including:

• LifeCare Health Services: A shared-services and accountable care organization.

• Vizient: A healthcare group purchasing and performance improvement organization.

• LAIE Property Insurance: An insurance organization in which NHS participates.

• OHCA Workers’ Compensation: A workers’ compensation organization in which NHS participates.

• Captis: A regional aggregation organization.

As part of the leadership transition, Mr. Jim Berry of Northeastern Health System will succeed Brian Woodliff as President of the Tahlequah Hospital Foundation and President of the rural affiliates.

In his new leadership responsibilities, Berry will provide oversight and strategic direction for the Tahlequah Hospital Foundation and the health system’s rural affiliate organizations. The transition is intended to support continuity of leadership, organizational stability, and the ongoing development of healthcare services throughout the region.

The Tahlequah Hospital Authority recognizes the importance of a coordinated leadership transition that preserves institutional knowledge, supports the Foundation’s continued growth, and strengthens the health system’s relationships with its rural affiliates.