Toni Hopper
The Duncan Banner
DUNCAN —
Jay Johnson may be the new chief executive officer at Duncan Regional Hospital and his name may not be that familiar, but Duncan isn’t new to him.
Johnson has plenty of childhood memories of visiting his grandparents and going to Kiddieland in the early 1970s. Family also plays a central role in why Johnson is glad to be in the top position of DRH.
“I firmly believe in treating the whole community,” he said Friday. “I’ve always admired this hospital and Duncan Regional is a sole community provider for health care services in the community.”
That connection to community is rooted for Johnson in his family history, dating back to his grandparents, all of whom were from Marlow. His wife, Sarah, is also from Marlow, and his parents are Duncan High School graduates.
Add 8-year-old twin sons to the list and Johnson’s “three F’s” — family, friends and football, and it’s easy to see why he had his eye on DRH and Duncan.
“People are so proud and passionate about this hospital and the community really appreciates it, that’s a huge plus,” he said. He also is more than aware of the community’s charitable role and sheer support from residents.
Johnson began his duties as CEO Aug. 1. He said it’s been a busy week in meeting people, but he doesn’t mind. Johnson came from Ardmore, bringing more than 14 years experience in top hospital management, but this is his first CEO position, he said.
He was Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Mercy Memorial Health Center in Ardmore and as in most industries, when word got out that the CEO position at DRH would be available, he wasted no time in applying.
“It was a tough process and a very thorough process,” he said. Johnson attributes that to the solid relationship between the community and hospital and when he talks of the hospital, he refers to it as an organization.
“One of the attractive things is that this is a very attractive facility. I will have a focus on operations and services and I see the organization to grow into those facilities (on the campus).”
He doesn’t foresee any further construction in the near future, with intent to enhance what is already on the hospital campus.
“Our biggest challenge in health care, is the health reform issues and how it impacts the hospital. The hardest is in planning for the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johnson said he’s going to spend two or three months just getting comfortable with his new role.
“For the first two or three months (when new), I believe you need to listen,” he said. “I am impressed with the community support. I also like the Simmons Center.”
Johnson, who is only the fourth administrator for DRH in its 30 years, said that after graduating from high school in Lawton, attending Cameron University, then going out east to Virginia, he realized he missed Oklahoma.
That’s when he decided to change gears and push for hospital administration. In 1996, he returned to southern Oklahoma, and he said, now he’s looking forward to having a long career with DRH — and enjoying his family, friends and of course, OU Sooner football games.
— Toni Hopper is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. She can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 132 or by e-mail at: toni.hopper@duncanbanner.com.
