CHI Health Names Jake McCarty President of CUMC-Bergan Mercy

Jake McCarty

CHI Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jake McCarty, MPH, MPA, as the next president of CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy. McCarty brings nearly 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, most recently serving as chief operating officer of Kaiser Permanente’s San Leandro Medical Center in California.

McCarty’s experience positions him well to lead CUMC-Bergan Mercy, CHI Health’s largest hospital in Nebraska, its flagship academic medical center and one of Omaha’s two Level I Trauma Centers. In addition, Becker’s Hospital Review recognized McCarty as a 2025 Rising Star - one of 100 leaders under the age of 40 selected for making healthcare more accessible, affordable and seamless for patients.

“As we got to know Jake, it became clear that his experience, thoughtful approach and appreciation for academic medicine make him an outstanding fit to lead CUMC-Bergan Mercy,” said Julie Goebel, President, CHI Health Nebraska/Iowa Market. “He has a strong track record of partnering with physicians, faculty and clinical leaders to improve patient care, quality and operations. I’m confident Jake will build on that strong foundation while helping lead our hospital into its next chapter.”

“I’m incredibly excited to join CHI Health and become part of the CUMC-Bergan Mercy team,” said McCarty. “I look forward to getting to know our physicians, nurses, caregivers and staff, strengthening our academic partnership with Creighton University, and building on the great work already happening across the medical center. My family and I are also excited to put down roots in Omaha and become part of a community that already feels like home.”

McCarty has held leadership positions across academic medical centers, community hospitals and integrated health systems including San Joaquin General Hospital, Children’s Health of Northern California and Kindred Healthcare. He has a Master of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Public Health from the University of California, Davis.

McCarty will join CHI Health on September 8. Until then, Barb Leonard, vice president of operations, will continue to serve as interim president.