MDNews - Central New York

TRANSITION OF LEADERSHIP FOR OSWEGO HEALTH Michael Backus to Become President and CEO in 2023 The Oswego Health Board of Directors is pleased to announce that effective Jan. 1, 2023, with the retirement of Michael Harlovic, Michael Backus will be the health system's new President and CEO. Since 2017, Harlovic has overseen the strategic, executive and operational guidance for Oswego Health. His leadership has been pivotal in the expansion of services and for making access to local health care a priority of the organization. While ser ving as President and CEO, Harlovic has been instrumental in expanding specialty care ser vices, including the Center for Weight Loss & Surger y and the Center for Wound Healing, and for bringing physical therapy ser vices to Lake Ontario Prompt Medical Care. In 2018, he solidified a partnership with Oswego Family Physicians, making it the first primar y care practice to join the health system. Later that year, in collaboration with Novelis, Oswego Health opened a PrimeCare office on-site for all employees. In 2019, the state-of-the-art Center for Orthopedic Care opened in Fulton, and University Hill Gastroenterology Associates joined the health system to become the Center for Gastroenterology & Metabolic Diseases. Harlovic also spearheaded the development and transformation of the 42,000 square-foot Lakeview Center for Mental Health and Wellness, approved a $7 million renovation to Oswego Hospital's Medical-Surgical Units and expanded access to primar y care in both Fulton and Oswego with two additional practices. "Though his career in health care spans nearly 40 years, Michael's leadership and forward-thinking approach has never been more evident than throughout the past two years as he helped guide the health system and community throughout the pandemic," says Board Chair Atom Avery. "His ability to take on significant challenges and responsibilities, combined with his foresight for growth and resources, has positioned Oswego Health as a strong, independent health system." MOVING FORWARD The Oswego Health Board of Directors felt it was critical to succeed Harlovic with someone who could continue to evolve the organization's vision and groundwork to meet the needs of the community. Fortunately, Michael Backus joined Oswego Health during the height of the pandemic in 2020 as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. He worked alongside Harlovic and other members of the senior leadership team, and Harlovic and Backus will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition through the remainder of 2022. "We're confident in Michael Backus and his ability to take Oswego Health to the next level and provide the quality of care this community deserves and needs," says Vice Chair Ed Alberts. "A lifelong resident, local leader and someone who is beyond vested in this community, Backus will not only offer a smooth transition for staff but continue to advocate and position Oswego Health as a leader in local health care." In just two years, Backus has made a significant impact on the health system and has also is been a strong and reliable conduit for local government and community providers throughout the pandemic. He has several multi-million-dollar grant applications currently in front of state and federal agencies to increase access to high-quality care for Oswego County residents and was also involved in the renovation of the AMS building in Fulton where the second PrimeCare location has opened. As one of the major employers in Oswego County, he also remains focused on the culture of the Oswego Health and is actively involved in recruitment and retention efforts. Backus holds a master's degree in public administration and Bachelor of Arts degree from Le Moyne College, where he is also a member of the Board of Regents and was recently accepted into the American Hospital Association NextGen Fellowship Program. Backus officially starts as President and CEO of Oswego Health in January 2023. "I thank the Board of Directors for their confidence in not only me, but our entire senior leadership team. Most importantly, I thank the employees of Oswego Health," Backus says. "Throughout the past two years, we've risen to many challenges, and I am every day impressed by the heroism of our caregivers. Ensuring they have the resources they need — the infrastructure, teammates, and work/life balance needed right now — is the job of our leadership team at Oswego Health and will continue to be at the forefront of our efforts." n " It is the honor of my professional life to succeed Michael Harlovic as President and CEO of Oswego Health." — MICHAEL BACKUS, FUTURE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF OSWEGO HEALTH 1 4❱❱❱❱❱ M E D I C A l B R I E F S

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